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Taking a Good Look at AI

  • Writer: brandi berland
    brandi berland
  • Apr 3
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 6



I recently had the opportunity to attend a Zoom lecture by a prominent instructional design professional, Dr. Kiran Budhrani, the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Her passion lies in helping others succeed and enhance their lives through effective instruction (Budhrani, 2025, 4:51). According to Dr. Budhrani, the rise of generative AI began in 2023 and has impacted various stakeholders, including faculty, administrators, students, instructional designers, course developers, IT support staff, and many other service areas such as marketing, admissions, and accessibility services (2025, 19:04). AI is undeniably transforming the educational landscape both within and beyond the classroom.


So, what is the difference between AI and generative AI? Simply put, traditional artificial intelligence (AI) primarily focuses on analyzing existing data to make predictions, which is commonly seen in standard search engine functionalities like Google. In contrast, generative AI can create new data based on its underlying training data, including text, images, and code. As I explored AI, I discovered many more tools than I initially realized. When I think of AI, the first tool that comes to mind is ChatGPT, which falls under generative AI; as it turns out, it is just one of many. Look at the infographic below.

As you can see, many generative AI tools are available, further, the concept of Education 4.0 envisions transforming education through the integration of advanced technologies and innovative pedagogical approaches like AI. This aligns with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, preparing learners for the future workforce and global challenges (World Economic Forum, n.d.).


At the heart of this learner-centered approach is adaptive learning, a technique that educators use to personalize experiences for individual learners through data-driven instruction. Adaptive learning systems can monitor learners' progress, engagement, and performance while analyzing the data collected about each learner to design instruction tailored to their specific needs. Dr. Budhrani states, “Students have more support than they have ever had in higher education history” (2025, 34:34). These adaptive learning systems transform how students learn and how educators customize instruction for each learner.


The number of AI tools is growing daily. Some well-known tools include MS CoPilot, Google Gemini, Adobe Firefly, Caisy AI Simulator, Zoom AI Companion, Khanmigo, Canvas, and Notebook LM. However, you may not be familiar with some adaptive learning systems. According to SC Training, the top 12 systems/platforms in 2025 are: SC Training (formerly EdApp), Adaptemy, Knewton, CogBooks, Realizeit, Smart Sparrow, Pearson Interactive Labs, Adaptive Learning, Designing Digitally, Impelsys Scholar ALS, Whatfix, and OttoLearn.


According to Dr. Budhrani, these adaptive learning systems are “ the opposite of linear learning; instead, they provide learners with options for choice and agency; they represent a multi-directional learning sequence (personalized learning) that helps students build mastery, allowing them to catch up or accelerate through a learning experience" (2025, 32:00-32:48). At her university, they utilize Realizeit, which aids in developing adaptive learning content (Budhrani, 2025). The system can customize learning sequences and integrate adaptive assessments to create the most suitable learning path for students (Budhrani, 2025).

 

Realizeit is designed to offer a one-on-one personalized learning path that adapts to learners’ evolving abilities. It continuously assesses their knowledge and skills to meet their needs (Small, 2025). You may wonder if Realizeit is solely for academic purposes, but a quick visit to their website shows that this platform is also intended for businesses. It states that the platform will "save time, reduce costs, lower risk, and provide real-time insights to make instructors, trainers, coaches, and leaders more effective in delivering real business value quickly” (Realizeit, n.d., para. 2).


With all the growth in generative AI, it can feel overwhelming and intimidating, leading to uncertainties about its implications. However, Dr. Budhrani emphasizes that generative AI is learner-centered and immensely beneficial for students’ curriculum pathways. Its prominent role is to alleviate the overwhelming customization tasks faced by learners by hyper-personalizing their experiences (2025, 31:30). While listening to her presentation, I gained a clearer perspective despite my anxieties about AI. This rapidly growing technology is here to stay. Therefore, it is crucial to embrace it and find effective and ethical ways to use it.


I have struggled with using AI while completing my degree, feeling that it might undermine the originality of my work. However, thanks to my professors, who encouraged my peers and me to explore and utilize AI's power ethically and meaningfully, I am finally learning how to harness its potential. This support provides valuable insights and foundational assistance for long-term design, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of future instructional designs. My work remains my own, and as long as I am transparent and open with others about my use of AI, I can maintain ethical standards while leveraging the best tools available to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Humans excel at creating meaningful and engaging instruction. We know how to connect, one aspect that AI technology will consistently struggle with. Therefore, this technology is undoubtedly changing how ID professionals design instruction. However, it will not eliminate us either.

 

References

Budhrani, K. (2025, March 27). Balancing AI-centered with student-centered learning [Webinar]. Zoom

Realizeit. (n.d.). Adaptive Learning platformhttps://www.realizeitlearning.com/

World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Reskilling Revolution - Education 4.0. https://initiatives.weforum.org/reskilling-revolution/education-4-0

 
 
 

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