Faculty Pedagogy Colloquium: Kaitlyn Haynal

How can AI be harnessed to strengthen core learning objectives in the classroom? In this presentation, Dr. Kaitlyn Haynal, from the Department of Communication and Digital Studies, shares her redesign of a major assignment in COMM 209: Argumentation, where the integration of AI-powered Deep Research tools enhances student learning and practice with debate. By streamlining the research process, students gain more time to focus on evaluating evidence critically, crafting stronger arguments, and practicing the art of debate. This approach re-centers the course toward its core goals, including critical thinking, persuasion, and civic engagement, while modeling innovative ways to integrate AI into the liberal arts classroom.