AI Learning Institute
A page within Center for Advancing Teaching and Learning (CATL)
Technology changes. Learning hasn't.
Instructor and student uses of generative AI may affect learning positively or negatively. How can we determine whether a particular use supports or undermines student learning? What works—and what doesn’t? The AI Learning Institute brings together instructors from across disciplines to investigate these questions in their own classes.
Goals
- Foster cross-disciplinary leadership on AI integration in teaching
- Ground educational uses AI in research on how people learn
- Assess how AI use impacts student learning
The AI Learning Institute offers support for instructors who are integrating AI into instruction and would like to evaluate its effects student learning.
Why participate?
- Discover key findings from research on how people learn
- Learn more about applications of AI in teaching and learning
- Develop strategies for use in one of your Spring 2027 classes
- Connect with colleagues interested in research-based, technology-enhanced teaching improvement
- Create artifacts that can be added to Faculty Success as evidence of your teaching improvement
- Receive ongoing support from CATL
- Be awarded a $500 stipend in recognition of your successful completion of the Institute
Who should apply?
Participants should have some experience teaching with AI, an interest in using it to improve student learning, and a commitment to assessing how it affects learning. In addition, they must be available for in-person sessions (January 12–14, 2027, 8:30 a.m.–noon) and to present at the AI Summit (May 19, 2027).
While not required, small teams or partners of instructors who teach the same course are encouraged to apply. Space is limited to approximately 15 instructors total, including representation from across the colleges.
Tenure-track and IAS faculty with at least 50% FTE during the Fall 2025 semester are eligible to apply.
What is required?
- Distribute a survey on learning and AI in one of your Fall 2026 classes
- Complete online Canvas modules on how people learn no later than January 12, 2027
- Attend in-person sessions from 8:30 a.m. to noon on January 12, 13, and 14, 2027
- Develop AI-integrated teaching and learning strategies for a class you are teaching Spring 2027
- Implement AI-integrated teaching and learning strategies and assess impact on student learning
- Present a project capsule at the AI Summit on May 19, 2027
- Complete an exit survey reflecting on your experience in the Institute
Who is facilitating?
- Dr. Bryan Kopp, CATL Teaching & Learning Specialist
- Dr. Bill Cerbin, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, CATL Founder
- Dr. Tesia Marshik, CATL Assessing & Documenting Student Learning Fellow
Topics to Be Explored
To what extent do specific uses of AI:
- Foster a growth mindset, a sense of belonging, and trust?
- Activate prior knowledge, challenge misconceptions, and support deeper processing and transfer?
- Focus attention, avoid multitasking, and minimize cognitive overload?
- Promote learning strategies such as retrieval, spaced practice, and self-explanation as well as self-regulation?
How to Apply
To apply, please complete this application form by 9am on September 28, 2027.
Applications that demonstrate the following will be given priority in the review process:
- Instructor availability (must be available to join in-person sessions January 12-14, 2027)
- Instructor interest in the Institute focus
- Potential impact on students
- Instructor commitment to implement changes in a course they are teaching Spring 2027
- Representation from a range of disciplines/programs
If you have questions, please contact Bryan Kopp, CATL Teaching & Learning Specialist.