The Classroom Reimagined: Setting the Tone, Artificial Intelligence and Icebreaker Strategies

There's no denying it - in academia, the first week of class is an imperative time for professors and students alike. In academic circles, the topic of student buy-in to encourage active learning often dominates discourse. Through careful planning and course delivery, educators set the tone during the first week of class and create lasting impressions which can enrich the educational experience for students. This time also affords students the opportunity to settle in, become acquainted with their professor and classmates, and begin to plan for the rest of the semester. This article explores the topic of setting the tone for course delivery and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Pedagogical recommendations for the first week of class and the use of AI are offered. AI-enhanced icebreakers are also discussed as instructional strategies for course planning and delivery.