When students use AI to write or learn, it’s easy for thinking to drop out of the process. This session introduces practical strategies to design assignments and class activities that keep students mentally active and reflective, even when using AI tools. We’ll explore recent research on cognitive offloading and metacognitive prompting, then try out an interactive, gamified learning exercise that shows how AI can support rather than replace critical thinking. Participants will leave with ideas for keeping students’ brains fully engaged while using AI as a learning partner.
Bring Your Own Brains: Keeping Student Cognitive Effort High When Using AI
This session explores practical strategies for maintaining high levels of student cognitive engagement when using AI in learning activities. Participants examine research on cognitive offloading and metacognitive prompting and experiment with interactive, gamified approaches that position AI as a learning partner rather than a replacement for critical thinking.
TOPICS
Active Learning | AI Resources for Students