Conference Agenda

In a period of rapid change, this conversation will provide an opportunity for participants to better understand how design instructors are making decisions regarding AI in the classroom. Some might fear repercussions for their actions or feel pressure to implement AI against their judgment. Are individuals actively rejecting recommendations? Teaching against their values? How much do they agree or disagree with policy that trickles down from leaders in the school? How are these difficult questions and the confusion caused by the unleashing of AI into the university affecting teaching in general, not only for students but for instructors as workers? Our objective is to enable design faculty to compare notes on this topic and share resources in order to dispel confusion and offer more clarity for those facing difficult decisions and potential consequences. Through this session, design educators will not only learn about the range of others’ experiences negotiating the gaps between their course policies and institutional stances, but also leave with potential strategies to alleviate the confusion of this volatile period in order to confidently teach. We especially hope to unearth tactics that educators are adopting when their attitude toward AI differs from that of their institutions. Design education is uniquely positioned: it values creativity, critique, and ethics, yet faces industry pressing demands to incorporate emerging technologies. Our conversation will support reflection on this situation in relation to the particularities of design in higher educational institutions, and to offer design educators a supportive place in navigating this complex new terrain.