Human-Centered Design in an AI World: Quality and Student Success

As AI becomes more integrated into online course and program design, many institutions are wrestling with a practical question: how do we use AI to improve quality and student success without drifting into “automation-first” decisions that erode trust, equity, and human judgment?

In this WCET Closer Conversation, Quality Matters and iDesign invite WCET members into a candid, interactive discussion about human-centered design in an AI world. Rather than focusing on specific tools or one-size-fits-all prescriptions, we’ll explore real decision points institutions are navigating right now: where AI can enhance learning experiences, where it can unintentionally diminish quality, how faculty and students are experiencing AI in day-to-day teaching and learning, and what it looks like to keep quality, equity, and transparency at the center.

Key Takeaways

• Human-centered design lens: Explore where AI supports human-centered online learning and where it risks undermining quality and student trust.
• Faculty + student realities: Surface what faculty and students are actually experiencing, including readiness, resistance, and “surprise moments” that shape adoption.
• Quality-aligned decisions: Identify practical considerations for aligning everyday AI use with quality standards, equity goals, and ethical design choices.

Registration for this event is free and open to current WCET members but limited to the first 75 registrations. Participants are invited to interact via video and/or chat. Closer Conversations are not recorded. Resources shared during the Closer Conversation will be emailed to registrants following the event.

If you need additional support to participate fully in this Closer Conversation, please email knawrocki@wiche.edu by February 10th.

Discussion Leaders