Student-Driven Perspectives of AI Policy In a Design Classroom

Overview

This project, Student-Driven Perspectives of AI Policy in a Design Classroom, explores how students perceive generative AI's role in design education. Conducted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the research focuses on engaging students in co-designing AI policies for design courses. Through participatory workshops, students discuss AI use in coursework, critique existing policies, and create their own AI policy recommendations in the form of a zine. The goal is to ensure student voices shape AI integration in education.

Problem Statement

With the increasing integration of generative AI in education, policies governing its use are often created without direct student input. This gap can lead to policies that do not align with students' needs or learning experiences. This project aims to address this issue by developing student-authored AI policies that balance innovation, ethical use, and academic integrity. By understanding how students perceive AI and its role in their coursework, this research provides actionable insights that can inform future AI policies in design education..

User & Audiences

The primary users are students in HCC629: Fundamentals of Human-Centered Computing. The findings benefit university administrators, educators, policymakers, and future students in design courses.

Roles & Responsibilities

• My Role: Graduate Student Researcher
• Team Members: Dr. Yasmin Kotturi (PI), Manisha Vijay (Graduate Student Assistant)
• Responsibilities:
  • Assisted in research design and methodology
  • Led participatory workshops on AI policy discussions
  • Conducted qualitative analysis of student feedback
  • Designed the final AI policy zine for distribution

Scope & Constraints

Timeline: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025

Participants: 10-14 students from Fall 2024 *HCC629*

Constraints: Limited to UMBC students and design courses

Process & What I Will Be Doing

• Recruitment & Consent: Screening surveys, participant consent
• Workshop 1: Discussing AI in design education
• Workshop 2: Evaluating and redesigning AI policies
• Workshop 3: Creating a student-authored AI policy zine
• Data Analysis: Surveys, discussions, and field notes

Outcomes & Results

To be determined in 2025.