Imagine a classroom where every student is not just a passive recipient of information but an active participant in shaping their learning journey. In my experience as an educator, this is no longer a dream—it’s a reality powered by Generative AI (GenAI).

As a firm believer in the transformative potential of AI, I have integrated GenAI into my courses in ways that have fundamentally changed how my students engage with business cases, articles, and course content.

This article shares my journey of using GenAI in the classroom, offering insights into how this technology can personalise learning, foster critical thinking, and extend the educational experience beyond the classroom walls. 

Personalised business cases: Learning that resonates 

One of the most significant changes I’ve implemented is shifting away from traditional business case studies. In the past, students would read pre-written cases, often struggling to connect the content with their own experiences or industry context. However, with the integration of GenAI, specifically OpenAI’s GPT-4, the approach has drastically changed. 

Instead of handing out static business cases, I now use a business case framework that students can personalise using preset prompts. This framework is designed to be flexible, allowing students to fill in the specifics of the business, demographics, and scenarios that are relevant to their industry, department, or specific project. The result? Each student creates a custom business case that aligns with the course outline and speaks directly to their real-world challenges. 

This method doesn’t just make the material more engaging—it transforms the learning process into an individualised experience. Students are no longer just reading about theoretical companies; they’re building cases that mirror their professional realities. This approach has also encouraged deeper engagement, as students feel a personal investment in the content they’re working with. 

From passive reading to active inquiry: Redefining classroom time 

Another significant shift has been in how students interact with course readings. Traditionally, much of classroom time was dedicated to discussing articles and dissecting their contents. While this approach has its merits, I found that it often led to surface-level engagement. Students would spend a significant amount of time reading, leaving little room for critical inquiry. 

To address this, I’ve leveraged GenAI to flip the traditional model. Instead of requiring students to read articles during class, I provide them with a custom AI bot—trained specifically on the course content and related articles. This AI bot serves as a personal tutor, available to answer questions, provide summaries, and engage in discussions about the material. 

Classroom time is now reserved for critical thinking and in-depth discussions. Students come prepared, having used the AI bot to understand the material at their own pace. This shift has not only increased the quality of discussions but also empowered students to ask more insightful questions. The AI bot’s ability to remember their previous interactions means that each student’s experience is tailored to their specific learning journey, making every session relevant and impactful. 

GenAI as a continuous learning companion: Beyond the classroom 

One of the most exciting aspects of using GenAI in my courses is the introduction of custom AI tutors that extend learning beyond the classroom. Each course I teach comes with a dedicated AI agent that is not only trained on the course materials but also on the relevant theories and methodologies. 

This AI tutor is available to students during and after the course, offering a continuous learning experience. Whether a student needs clarification on a complex concept, wants to explore how a particular theory can be applied in their work, or simply wishes to revisit a previous discussion, the AI tutor is there to assist. 

This approach aligns with the fourth level of Kirkpatrick’s model of evaluation—results. By providing a tool that students can continue to use long after the course has ended, I’m supporting the practical application of what they’ve learned. The AI tutor acts as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world implementation, helping students to not only retain information but to apply it effectively in their professional lives. 

The future of learning: Lessons learned from GenAI 

Reflecting on my journey with GenAI, several key lessons have emerged that I believe are crucial for educators looking to integrate AI into their teaching: 

1. Customisation Enhances Engagement 

When students have the opportunity to tailor their learning experiences to their own needs, their engagement increases significantly. GenAI provides the tools necessary to create personalized learning paths that resonate with each student’s professional context. 

2. AI as a Tool for Critical Thinking 

 By shifting the focus from passive reading to active inquiry, AI can help students develop stronger critical thinking skills. The ability to ask questions and receive instant feedback from an AI tutor encourages deeper reflection and understanding. 

3. Continuous Learning Beyond the Classroom 

 AI-driven tutors offer a unique opportunity to extend the learning experience beyond the confines of the classroom. This ongoing access to knowledge and guidance supports long-term retention and application of course content. 

4. Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy 

As with any technological integration, it’s important to address ethical considerations. Ensuring data privacy and maintaining transparency with students about how AI is used are essential steps in building trust and fostering a positive learning environment. 

Embracing the AI-powered classroom 

The integration of GenAI into my classroom has not only transformed how I teach but has also reshaped how my students learn. By leveraging AI to create personalised, engaging, and continuous learning experiences, I have seen firsthand the impact this technology can have on education.

As we move forward, I believe that GenAI will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of learning, offering new possibilities for both educators and students. 

For those considering incorporating AI into their teaching, I encourage you to start with small steps—experiment with AI-driven case studies or introduce an AI tutor to supplement your existing materials. The results may surprise you, as they have me, by opening up new avenues for learning and growth in the classroom.