PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
February 9, 2026American Journal of Evaluation0 citations

Artificial Intelligence as an Academic Ally: A Quality Improvement Initiative for a Graduate Evaluation Course

View Full Paper
SSShannon SampsonHKHannah KeeneALAnnissa R Langworthy

Key Points

  • The aim is to explore how AI can enhance learning and engagement in evaluation education.
  • Integrated AI into an activity in an online evaluation course
  • Conducted guided reflections with a voluntary student cohort
  • Co-generated themes on AI's role in learning
  • Used themes to analyze class submissions
  • AI deepened students' conceptual understanding
  • Provided validation and built confidence in learners
  • Supported adult learners in constructing knowledge

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced evaluation and evaluation education. As AI tools become more common, educators must explore how they can enhance student learning, engagement, and accessibility, and prepare students well for professional work. While some faculty may hesitate to integrate AI, a constructive approach is to equip students to use AI ethically and effectively. This article describes how an instructor integrated AI into an activity to teach evaluation paradigms in an online, asynchronous evaluation course. At the conclusion of the course, the instructor led a series of guided reflections with a voluntary student cohort. Drawing on readings, and their own experience, the cohort co-generated themes on AI's role in learning, which the instructor then used to code all class submissions. Findings suggest that, when used as intended, AI supported learning by deepening conceptual understanding, providing validation and building confidence, and supporting adult learners in constructing knowledge.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Sampson et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69897996f0ec2af6756e75bchttps://doi.org/10.1177/10982140251400866
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper