About This Project
Karen Magruder, LCSW-S; Ann M.L. Cavallo, PhD; and Andrew M. Clark, PhD
Overview
AI-Powered Education: Innovative Teaching Strategies to Elevate Student Learning is a collection of practical, step-by-step AI-infused teaching activities curated from University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) faculty across a range of disciplines. Recognizing the growing need for concrete guidance on integrating AI into higher education, this book serves as a hands-on resource for educators seeking to enhance students’ learning and digital literacy by modeling ethical and effective AI use. Each chapter features detailed activities and assignment guides which can be adapted to a variety of teaching contexts. The AI activities presented in this book have been piloted across diverse fields, including business, communication, education, engineering, nursing and social work, demonstrating how AI can support transferrable skills such as communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Each chapter includes course context, an activity overview, detailed directions for both faculty and students, benefits to students and cross-disciplinary applications, making this book an essential guide for educators aiming to bridge the gap between AI’s theoretical potential and practical classroom implementation.
Creation Process
This project was supported by the UTA Libraries Open Initiatives Grant program. The book editors recruited chapter authors from across the UTA campus via email announcements, communication at events and trainings, and direct asks, ensuring representation from a diverse range of disciplines. To capture a broad spectrum of teaching applications, the editors selected AI-infused activities that targeted a variety of learning outcomes. To streamline contributions and maintain consistency, the editors provided a chapter template outlining key components. Additionally, each chapter underwent a peer review process by each of the editors, who offered constructive feedback to enhance clarity, accuracy, and practical applicability before publication.
About the Editors
Karen J. Magruder, LCSW-S is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, where she brings a broad background in aging, mental health, and environmental justice to the classroom. A dedicated and award-winning educator, Karen is passionate about integrating evidence-based and innovative techniques to promote student success in online learning. Karen is also a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) candidate at the University of Kentucky, where she is studying the implications of AI for social work practice and education. She manages a small private therapy practice, provides clinical supervision, and maintains a free social work education resources YouTube channel.
Ann M.L. Cavallo, Ph.D., is Dean ad Interim of the College of Education and Distinguished University Professor of Science Education at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She earned her Ph.D. in Science Education from Syracuse University. She holds secondary school teacher certification in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and General Science. At UTA she has designed, directed, and taught in undergraduate and graduate programs including courses on STEM teaching methods, educational psychology, education research methods, biology, physical science, and earth science. She has held several leadership positions including Assistant Vice Provost and Director of the Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Education, and she is founding Co-director of the UTeach Arlington Science and Mathematics Teacher Education Program. Dr. Cavallo’s research investigates high school and college students’ meaningful learning processes, scientific reasoning, self-efficacy, and their acquisition of conceptual understandings of science, particularly through inquiry-based teaching models and she has secured over $15 million in grants and gifts to support her work. In honor of her accomplishments, Dr. Cavallo was inducted into the UTA Academy of Distinguished Scholars in 2016, and in 2023 received the honor of being named a lifetime Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for distinguished contributions to the advancement of science education, particularly for her work with STEM teachers.
Andrew M. Clark, Ph.D., is a Professor in the University of Texas at Arlington Department of Communication specializing in broadcasting. He is also the QEP Director for the university and the Associate Director of the Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence, in the Office of the Provost. He completed his Ph. D. at the University of Florida. A native of New Zealand, Dr. Clark worked professionally in radio and television before entering academia. He is past Chair of both the Radio and Audio Media Division and the International Division of the Broadcast Education Association, and also past Chair of the Texas Association of Broadcast Educators. He has won awards for his teaching, research, and assessment work.
