🍁 Fall Into Learning with AI: Spotlight 8
This week, we’re excited to highlight the new winner from Faculty Training and Developments Fall Into Learning challenge; a meaningful and innovative way Dr. Swan integrates AI into her EAD-507 asynchronous leadership course. Knowing that many students struggle to turn broad ideas into concrete action steps, she created a low-stakes activity that allows learners to practice writing SMART goals before completing the full assignment.
During this topic, students reflect on their strengths and the areas they hope to grow in as they progress through their leadership program. Because understanding how to craft Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals is foundational, Dr. Swan incorporates AI as a supportive tool to help them brainstorm, refine, and clarify their thinking.
How the Activity Works
Assignment Support: Writing a SMART Goal
Students select an area where they want to develop, academic, personal, or professional. They then:
- Use ChatGPT for guided brainstorming
Example prompt:
“How can I write a SMART goal for improving my time management?” - Collaborate with ChatGPT to refine the goal
Students focus on feasibility, clarity, and specificity. - Share their process in the discussion board, including:
• Their initial idea
• How AI supported their thinking
• Their final SMART goal - Engage in peer feedback, helping classmates strengthen their goals even more.
✨ What’s the impact?
Since implementing this Classroom Assessment Technique (CAT), Dr. Swan has noticed improved clarity and quality in student submissions. While some still need reminders to make their goals measurable, the early practice and the opportunity to think openly with structured AI support have boosted engagement and confidence.
And in full transparency, this CAT was co-designed with AI. Dr. Swan used ChatGPT to help brainstorm structure, flow, and instructional language before adapting the activity for her learners.
🍁 Why this matters
Spotlight 8 captures what Fall Into Learning with AI is all about:
| Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Intentional Use | AI supports, not replaces, learning |
| Transparency | Students understand when and how AI is used |
| Skill-Building | Learners develop strong goal-setting habits |
| Critical Thinking | AI becomes a tool for reflection, not shortcuts |
Dr. Swan’s activity shows how purposeful AI integration can strengthen student growth, reflection, and leadership development.
