A course about AI — taught by AI

How Boise State's new "Applications of Artificial Intelligence" course explores the future of learning

When developing a course about artificial intelligence, it only made sense to ask: "What if a class about AI was taught by AI?"

This idea became the foundation of COID 325: Applications of AI, a new course in the College of Innovation and Design. This class falls under the Artificial Intelligence for All Certificate and explores how AI is transforming the way we work and how to keep up with it. In the course, students are trained to use cutting-edge generative AI technologies effectively, ethically and creatively - all while being guided by an AI-generated version of their instructor.

A human approach to an AI-taught course

The course introduces students to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence while grounding their learning in real-world applications. Every element of the class was created by humans - from the lessons and projects to the ethical frameworks explored throughout. What makes it unique is its delivery: an AI avatar of the instructor provides lectures and walkthroughs, allowing for real-time content updates as technology evolves.

The projects range from designing AI-powered business solutions to creating personal productivity tools and creative media experiments. Check out a few standout projects from students.

This approach makes the course dynamic and adaptable. When a new AI tool or model is released, the material can be refreshed within hours, keeping students on the cutting edge of emerging technologies.

Student perspectives: Real-world learning in real time

Students from the first cohort praised the course for giving students the opportunity to learn by doing.

"Generally in school, we learn but don't apply our learning," one student shared. "What's great about all of our projects so far is we learn, then go use the tools and experiment for ourselves. I learn best by taking action, and learning along the way."

Many students highlighted how the course's projects prepared them to use AI beyond the classroom.

"I found all of the content of this lesson engaging because it felt like I wasn't actually doing homework or an assignment," another student reflected. "It felt like I was setting myself up for success by building my portfolio of AI tools and setting up systems to help me in my career and speed up tasks."

Students also appreciated how the course emphasizes ethics in AI - topics often overlooked in mainstream conversations.

"I actually enjoyed that there was an emphasis placed on ethics and equity in AI and its usages," one student wrote. "As someone with a minor in sociology, I notice there isn't a lot of conversation where people talk about equity and bias in AI. I appreciate that this class included it."

Lessons learned: teaching with AI

Building and teaching the course was its own experiment in innovation. Along the way, the instructors uncovered a few surprises:

• Efficiency myth (for now): Using AI didn't actually save time - learning new tools and troubleshooting quirks made it a net-zero investment. Future versions should see more payoff as the process improves.
• Transparency built trust: Being upfront about how AI was used - especially through a behind-the-scenes intro - helped set expectations and build trust with students.
• Creativity beat limitations: Working around AI's quirks, like awkward gestures or pauses, inspired creative editing that made the course more engaging and polished.
• Avatar = energy conservation: One unexpected win was emotional energy. The AI avatar meant instructors didn't have to be "on" for the camera, freeing up focus for teaching rather than presentation.
• Consistency = professionalism: AI avatars brought consistent lighting, sound and delivery that polished the course - even on a tight timeline.

Preparing students for the future of work

By the end of the semester, students will have a portfolio demonstrating how to integrate AI into their academic, personal and professional work. The course's innovative format provides an up-to-date, flexible and highly relevant learning experience - helping students prepare for a rapidly changing future where adaptability, ethics and creativity matter most.

COID 325: Applications of Artificial Intelligence is open to all majors and counts toward the Digital Innovation + Design degree and the AI for All Certificate. Reach out to Program Directors, Jennie Myers ([email protected]) and Ben Ohashi ([email protected]), for more information.

Share This

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share through Email