Margaret Sass, a lecturer in the School for the Digital Future, will present a session on the transformative role of AI personas in online, community-engaged courses at the Global Studies Virtual Symposium. This session will explore how AI-driven personas enhance student engagement, foster collaboration and prepare learners for meaningful community partnerships.
Titled “Enhancing Online, Community-Engaged Learning with AI Personas,” the session will introduce attendees to cutting-edge AI applications that serve as virtual brainstorming and practice partners for students. By integrating AI personas into online classrooms, instructors can help students refine their ideas, strengthen their dialogue skills and connect with diverse perspectives. The approach fosters deeper communication, critical thinking and cultural awareness, equipping students for local and global engagement.
The Global Studies Virtual Symposium is an annual, free event connecting global studies scholars from community colleges across the U.S. It serves as an engaging teaching and learning forum for faculty and staff to exchange best practices, innovative strategies and curricular resources. Established in 2019, the symposium is co-sponsored by the Center for Global Studies at the University of Washington, the Institute for Global Studies at the University of Minnesota, Green River College and South Central College – North Mankato Campus.
This year’s symposium continues its mission to support higher education faculty and scholars by exploring forward-thinking approaches that enhance global studies courses and programs. Sass’s session will highlight how AI tools can bridge the gap between technology and community-based learning, ultimately shaping students into more engaged, culturally competent citizens.