Design Smarter 2.0: Prompting Reflection Through AI Conversations
(*NEW this Fall 2025)
10/16/2025, 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Presenters: Heather Breittholz and Cathy Healy
Level: Intermediate
Explore the advanced capabilities of Blackboard's AI Design Assistant (Design Smarter 1.0), focusing on the AI Conversation tool (Design Smarter 2.0 - this webinar). This session will guide you through creating AI bots that simulate student dialogues, enhancing formative assessment and critical thinking. Learn to set up AI conversations, define personas, and review interactions. Equip yourself with the knowledge to leverage AI for sophisticated, interactive learning experiences in Blackboard Ultra. Design Smarter 1.0 is NOT a prerequisite for attending Design Smarter 2.0.
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize ethical and pedagogical considerations when integrating Blackboard AI tools in course design.
2. Apply persona-based AI prompts to construct a conversation activity.
3. Design a role-play scenario using AI personas that encourages learners to engage in reflective dialogue.
4. Analyze how AI-driven dialogues can scaffold critical thinking and reflection in formative learning contexts.
Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3670
For more information, contact: Stacey Valliere at stacey.valliere@uconn.edu