The AI Course Compass offers a seven-phase framework for ethical, equitable, and adaptive course design. It guides faculty beyond AI literacy, emphasizing responsible integration of AI tools to enhance learning while preserving human judgment and inclusivity.

Abstract

As generative AI rapidly develops in the fields of course design, development, and delivery, systematic and ethical integration approaches are increasingly needed that extend well beyond AI literacy. This interactive session presents the AI Course Compass, a model-agnostic, seven-phased process designed to guide faculty and instructional designers in intentionally utilizing AI throughout the entire course life cycle.

Attendees will learn how the model supports AI adoption from low to high, adaptive applications, with a focus on ethical considerations, learner equity, and academic integrity. The AI Compass provides a step-by-step process for making informed choices about incorporating AI into course design (planning and learning outcomes), development (authoring and embedding content and assessments), and delivery (teaching practices and student engagement).

With facilitated exercises, real-world scenarios, and reflection questions, attendees will actively engage with the framework and apply its principles to their teaching challenges. The session utilizes live polling, short paired discussions, and individual application activities to facilitate high levels of interaction and personalized learning. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for implementing ethical AI and a concrete action plan tailored to their specific courses or programs.

Level of Participation

Participants will engage through live polls, facilitated micro-discussions with their immediate neighbors, and guided personal reflections that align the AI Course Compass model with their teaching contexts. A digital takeaway guide will be shared for future reference following the conclusion of the session. This format guarantees that the session is not only informative but also transformative, equipping participants with the strategies and resources essential for effective implementation. 

Session Objectives

The goals of this session are to introduce the structure, purpose, and value of the AI Course Compass framework, demonstrating its seven-phase approach to ethical, equitable, and adaptive integration of AI across course design, development, and delivery; to engage participants in scenario-based activities and reflective exercises that promote real-world application of the framework while fostering academic integrity and human-centered design, and to equip attendees with actionable strategies and a practical resource guide to support phased, sustainable AI integration within their courses and institutions.

Marcus Green

Instructional Designer at Kennesaw State University

Marcus Green - Instructional Designer with more than 20 years of experience creating learning programs and instructional materials for K–12, corporate, and higher education. Skilled in educational technology, faculty support, and designing engaging digital learning experiences. Focused on using artificial intelligence in instructional design to improve learning outcomes and promote equity.

Iarra Miller

Instructional Design Specialist at Kennesaw State University

Iarra Miller - Instructional Design Specialist dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning through technology. Specializes in sustainable course design, course alignment, and course improvement. Committed to creating accessible and effective digital learning experiences and the thoughtful and responsible integration of AI tools into course design, with student success as primary goal.