Gaining an AI Advantage

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Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept reserved for tech specialists. It's rapidly becoming a foundational skill across industries.

As a result, Commonwealth University is shaping the evolution of its M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology program in ways that are both intentional and forward-thinking. For Karl Kapp, professor and director of CU's Institute for Interactive Technologies, the shift toward integrating AI into the graduate curriculum didn't begin as a trend to follow but as a response to a clear signal from the field.

"A couple of our alumni started asking, 'Are you teaching AI yet?'" said Kapp, who's an internationally recognized expert in gamification of learning, instructional game design. "At the same time, the tools we were already using in instructional design began embedding AI into their platforms. That's when it became clear … this wasn't optional. This was the future of the field."

From that convergence emerged AI in Context, a foundational grad course designed to give students the breadth and depth in understanding artificial intelligence. But rather than focusing solely on technical mechanics, the course emphasizes practical application.

"After this course, students will walk away with a much clearer sense of how AI can support their everyday work," Kapp said. "Whether they want help managing their time, building a simple chatbot to automate tasks, bouncing ideas off an AI partner, or even creating an avatar, they'll understand how AI works at a high level and use it for personal and professional productivity."

The course introduces students to core AI concepts of terminology, history, and types of AI, while also immersing them in hands-on experiences. Students create chatbots, experiment with prompting strategies, and critically evaluate how AI performs within their chosen industries.

One assignment, in particular, Kapp says captures the program's philosophy. Students first write a two-page analysis of trends in their field. They then generate a similar document using AI tools and compare the results.

"The insights are fascinating," Kapp says. "Students begin to understand not just what AI can do, but where it falls short. That awareness is what makes them effective professionals … not just users of technology but critical thinkers about it."

That balance between innovation and discernment extends into discussions of ethics, sustainability, and responsible use. Students explore issues such as energy consumption and data implications, ensuring they graduate with a well-rounded perspective on AI's broader impact.

Building on this foundation, the program has introduced a second, more advanced course this summer - Chatbots, Agents, and Avatars. As the AI in Context course introduces the landscape, this new AI course invites students to actively shape it.

Kapp says students move beyond basic tools to develop sophisticated AI agents capable of performing tasks autonomously, from drafting communications to managing workflows. They also design advanced chatbots and experiment with AI-generated avatars - digital representations that can deliver training, marketing, or instructional content.

"What excites me most is how this course expands creative reach," Kapp said. "In the past, producing a high-quality video required significant time, resources, and coordination. Now, with AI avatars, students can iterate instantly. They can refine messaging, adjust delivery, and scale their ideas in ways that were never possible before."

The implications for students entering the workforce are significant, according to Kapp. Across industries, from healthcare and insurance to education and business, AI is reshaping expectations. Kapp says employers are increasingly seeking candidates who not only understand these tools but can apply them strategically.

"AI is showing up in job descriptions and interview questions," Kapp said. "We want our students walking into those conversations with confidence, not playing catch-up."

That commitment to career readiness is reinforced by one of the program's defining strengths. Its deep connection to industry. Alumni play an active role in shaping the curriculum, providing continuous feedback on emerging trends and workforce needs.

Twice a year, Kapp says graduates and industry professionals formally evaluate the program. Informally, they remain in constant communication with faculty, sharing insights from the field such as what tools they're using, what skills are in demand, and what changes are on the horizon.

Those industry ties also create unique opportunities for students, according to Kapp.

Through networking and presenting at conferences, such as DevLearn, students gain access to cutting-edge software, often before it reaches widespread adoption. Often they get to test new tools, interact with tech founders and software developers, and experience firsthand how innovation unfolds in real time.

It's a dynamic learning environment where experimentation is encouraged, according to Kapp, even when the technology is imperfect.

"I tell students all the time that the version of AI you're using today is the worst version you'll ever see," Kapp says. "It's only going to get better. The goal is to understand it now, so you're ready for what comes next."

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