AI Assignment Design Guide
Thoughtfully designed assignments from faculty across institutions who are wrestling with how to teach in an AI-saturated world.
These assignments demonstrate different approaches to integrating AI pedagogically—with intentionality, transparency, and a focus on authentic student learning. What unites them isn’t a shared structure, but a shared commitment to explicit guidance, honest reflection, and learning-centered design.
What Makes Thoughtful AI Integration?
These assignments vary in structure and approach, but they share key characteristics that distinguish pedagogically sound AI integration from permissive chaos or blanket bans.
📋 Explicit Guidance
Students receive clear, specific directionabout when AI use is permitted, prohibited, or required. No guessing. No vague “use responsibly” language. Just transparent boundaries aligned with learning goals.
🔄 Intentional Sequencing
AI permissions change across different phases of the assignment based on the cognitive work students need to do. Students build foundational skills first, then AI is introduced strategically—not as a shortcut, but as a tool that enhances learning.
🎯 Learning-Centered Design
AI permissions are driven by what students need to learn, not by what’s easiest to assess or police. The design ensures students do the intellectual work that matters for their development.
Assignment Examples
Explore real assignments from faculty across disciplines. Each includes complete student instructions, explicit AI guidance, and honest faculty reflection on design choices and outcomes.
Related Tools
Other resources from the Harte Center for putting an AI policy into practice.
AI Syllabus Statement Generator
Build a syllabus statement that says what you actually want, course by course—from no AI use at all to full, documented use. Answer a few questions about your assignments and get language you can paste straight into your syllabus.
Contribute an Assignment
Have you designed an assignment that thoughtfully integrates AI? We’d love to feature it in this guide. We’re interested in any approach that prioritizes student learning, provides explicit guidance, and reflects honest pedagogical thinking—whether staged, modular, or structured differently.
Contact: jtorres@wlu.edu