Instructional Design & AI Integration

Overview

My instructional design work incorporates generative AI as a tool to support higher-order thinking, student engagement, and applied learning. Rather than replacing traditional instruction, AI is used to enhance historical reasoning, scaffold complex tasks, and provide structured opportunities for iteration and reflection. This approach is grounded in current best practices in AI-supported learning, including prompt design, role-based simulation, and guided analysis.

Design Approach

  • AI is integrated intentionally and selectively to support learning objectives, not as a stand-alone tool.

  • Use of prompt engineering strategies to guide student thinking and responses

  • Integration of role-based AI simulations to support perspective-taking and historical empathy

  • Emphasis on iterative learning, where students refine ideas through feedback and revision

  • Structured human-in-the-loop (HITL) approach to ensure critical evaluation of AI-generated content

  • Alignment with course objectives to maintain academic rigor and clarity

Case Study

Cold War Oil Negotiation Simulation (AI-Enhanced Learning Design)

This assignment redesign integrates AI into a role-based negotiation simulation focused on Cold War oil politics. Students assume the roles of key global actors and develop negotiation strategies informed by economic, political, and historical context.

AI Integration Focus

  • Students use AI to generate initial role perspectives and negotiation strategies

  • Prompts are structured to encourage analysis of competing interests and constraints

  • AI is used as a drafting and idea-generation tool, not a final authority

Learning Outcomes:

  • Deeper engagement with geopolitical and economic complexity

  • Stronger argument development through iterative refinement

  • Increased ability to evaluate and critique generated content

Sample Student Prompts

Role-Based Prompt:

Assume the role of an OPEC oil minister in the 1970s. Develop a negotiation strategy that balances economic interests, political pressure, and relationships with Western nations. Identify at least two risks and one potential compromise.

Reflection Prompt:

Evaluate how AI influenced your negotiation strategy.

What insights did it provide, and where did you need to revise or challenge the output?

Responsible Use & Critical Engagement

AI use is framed within clear expectations for academic integrity and critical thinking. Students are guided to question outputs, identify limitations, and use AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for analysis.

Supporting Work

A full design brief and implementation plan developed as part of a professional cohort on Teaching Alongside AI is available here.