An avatar becomes a senior business analyst or a garbage truck driver. A chatbot discusses occupational safety and health. Colorful mind maps streamline brainstorming and organize ideas.
The inaugural FIU Business AI Teaching Forum was designed to bring faculty together to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their courses. They focused on fostering innovation, collaboration and adaptability in response to rapidly evolving technology.
A key takeaway: when it comes to AI, the question isn’t “how do we stop it?” but “how do we lead the way?”
Held November 22, the event brought together 53 FIU Business faculty members to explore AI's transformative potential in education. They established a shared vision for the future, emphasizing that through collective action, faculty can harness AI’s potential to revolutionize teaching and learning.
"As AI reshapes industries, our teaching must evolve just as rapidly,” said Nancy Richmond, associate teaching professor of marketing and co-chair of the AI Teaching Forum. “Faculty collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are key to staying ahead of the curve."
Participating faculty represented the departments of Accounting, Finance, Global Leadership and Management, Information Systems and Business Analytics, International Business, and Marketing and Logistics, plus the Hollo School of Real Estate.
Over the course of the afternoon, they discussed how AI can streamline course content creation, improve efficiency and support personalized learning, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining academic integrity and fostering critical thinking. Collaboration, they agreed, is necessary to overcome some of the risks associated with AI use in the classroom.
“Artificial intelligence can empower both educators and students,” said Edward Duran, assistant teaching professor of information systems and business analytics and co-chair of the AI Teaching Forum. “Incorporating AI tools into their courses can foster digital fluency with AI among students, which is increasingly demanded in today's job market.”
He noted that for educators, AI tools can facilitate content creation, enabling them to design more engaging and personalized materials for students. It can also streamline tasks such as creating rubrics, improving assignment instructions and enhancing course accessibility.
Duran uses D-ID, a digital avatar creation platform, to facilitate scenario-based learning with talking avatars that take on real-world roles. Richmond leverages Suno AI - a tool that generates music to enhance digital storytelling - to improve the overall learning experience. Marc Weinstein, director for the Master of Science in Human Resource Management program, has created a specialized chatbot to supplement his occupational safety and health course.
“As an educator, I am committed to teaching my students how to use these tools responsibly, recognizing that AI use is not without risks, such as over-reliance,” Duran said. “At the same time, I have higher expectations for my students, knowing they can now achieve more with the help of the ever-increasing inventory of AI tools.”
How do you see AI shaping education?
"Teaching AI is about more than mastering tools. It’s about preparing students, faculty and business professionals to adapt, innovate and lead in a future where technology and humanity intersect." – Nancy Richmond
“Looking ahead, I see AI driving innovation in education, reshaping how we teach and learn. I also foresee higher expectations for educators to use these tools effectively to enhance the learning experience.” – Edward Duran