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Clippy Could Never: AI for Experiential Learning Curriculum Design

Supplementary materials for poster presented in May 2025 at Teaching and Learning with AI conference.

Chat GPT Results

Prompt Examples- Modern China Culture Class

I am teaching a history of modern china class and my students are struggling to use primary and secondary sources for a research paper. I want them to understand what primary sources are and how they are incorporated into research. They will go to special collections for a workshop, help me come up with three learning objectives for the students and their experience in the class ChatGPT said: That sounds like a great opportunity to build foundational research skills. Here are three clear and achievable learning objectives for your History of Modern China class, tied to both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience with primary sources: Learning Objectives Differentiate between primary and secondary sources in historical research, particularly within the context of modern Chinese history, and explain the value each type of source brings to historical interpretation. Critically analyze a selected primary source (such as a historical document, photograph, newspaper, or personal correspondence) from special collections, identifying its origin, purpose, audience, and historical context. Integrate primary and secondary sources into a research argument, using evidence from the special collections workshop to develop and support a historical thesis relevant to modern Chinese history.

Make learning objectives that focus on the students reproducing a primary source object like an artifact so that they can better understand using these items in research papers reflectively ChatGPT said: Great—if your focus is on hands-on reproduction or creative engagement with a primary source artifact to build deeper understanding, then the learning objectives should emphasize interpretation, contextualization, and reflective analysis. Here are three revised learning objectives aligned with that approach: Learning Objectives (Hands-On Primary Source Reproduction Focus) Select and reproduce a primary source artifact (e.g., pamphlet, letter, photograph, propaganda poster, or object) from the special collections, using creative or material methods (drawing, modeling, digital re-creation, etc.) to explore its physical and historical dimensions. Analyze the historical context and significance of the chosen artifact, articulating how its form, function, and content reflect broader themes or events in modern Chinese history. Reflect on the process of reproducing and interpreting the artifact to evaluate how engaging directly with primary sources enhances historical understanding and supports the development of research questions and arguments.

Prompt Examples- Spanish Culture Exploration

I am teaching a Spanish language and culture college class where they connect a cultural artifact with Spanish culture. I want them to use equipment like 3D printers, ceramic and glass kilns, or podcasting or textiles in their project to get an experiential activity. Please write out an assignment prompt. ChatGPT said: Here’s a detailed assignment prompt that integrates Spanish cultural exploration with hands-on, experiential learning using creative technologies: Assignment Title: Arte y Cultura: A Hands-On Journey Through Spanish Heritage Course: Spanish Language and Culture Assignment Type: Experiential Cultural Artifact Project Due Date: [Insert Date] Project Weight: [Insert % of Final Grade] Overview: In this project, you will explore a specific artifact, tradition, or element of Spanish-speaking culture and recreate or interpret it using hands-on technology and creative media. This could be through 3D printing, ceramics or glasswork, textiles, or audio-based storytelling such as podcasting. This assignment is designed to help you connect more deeply with Spanish cultural heritage while gaining skills in making, storytelling, and presentation. Objectives: Deepen your understanding of a cultural artifact or tradition from the Spanish-speaking world Use campus makerspace tools or library resources to creatively reimagine or reproduce the cultural element Practice Spanish vocabulary and grammar related to your topic and medium Reflect on the relationship between tangible culture, language, and identity

Project Guidelines: Choose a Cultural Focus: Select a cultural artifact, symbol, or tradition from a Spanish-speaking country. Examples might include: Talavera pottery from Mexico Flamenco attire or castanets from Spain A Day of the Dead ofrenda object Woven textiles from Guatemala or Peru A famous architectural element (e.g., a piece of Gaudí’s mosaics) Select a Creative Medium: Choose one of the following methods (or propose your own): 3D printing: Recreate an object with symbolic significance Ceramic or glass kiln: Mold or glaze a traditional item Textiles: Weave or embroider a pattern or item Podcasting: Interview community members or narrate a cultural story (in Spanish!) Mixed media: Blend materials and methods to bring your idea to life Research & Language Use: Conduct research on the historical and cultural background of your chosen item Submit a short write-up in Spanish (1–2 pages) explaining its cultural context and how your creation represents it Prepare a brief oral presentation in Spanish (3–5 minutes) sharing your process and reflections Reflection Component: Submit a short reflective piece in English or Spanish answering the following: What did you learn about the culture and artifact you chose? What challenges did you face in creating your project? How did using your hands or voice enhance your understanding of the culture?

Assessment Criteria: Cultural Understanding & Research (30%) Creativity & Use of Materials (20%) Spanish Language Use (Written & Oral) (30%) Reflection & Engagement (20%) Support and Resources: Visit the [Campus Makerspace/Library] for training on tools and materials Language lab and peer tutors available for feedback on Spanish usage Project consultations available during office hours