Abstract:

AI is rapidly reshaping how we imagine, plan, and build online learning, and its influence is now impossible to ignore. As instructional designers and faculty work to keep pace with these shifts, AI offers a dependable way to personalize learning, ease repetitive tasks, and create more room for thoughtful, intentional design work.

We will discuss the course creation process (from early analysis and planning to development, testing, and revision), highlighting where AI can serve as a practical companion in the design workflow. Participants will explore how long-standing models such as ADDIE and Backward Design can be paired with intelligent tools to improve efficiency and spark new ideas. Examples include shaping early drafts of content, generating practice items, creating feedback pathways, and using AI-informed insights to refine course structure. This integration can strengthen the quality of online courses by supporting user-centered design, encouraging active learning, and creating more opportunities for meaningful student interaction.

Drawing from experience in both higher education and professional learning environments, the session will show how AI can work alongside the designer or instructor rather than overshadow their judgment. We will focus on keeping the educator's voice, values, and intentions at the center of the process while using AI to support the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This collaborative approach helps AI serve as a strong extension of human expertise, amplifying the instructional designer’s capabilities while keeping their judgment and pedagogical decision-making at the center.

We will also discuss the ethical considerations, including accessibility and the guardrails needed to protect academic integrity. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to introduce AI into design decisions to strengthen the learning experience without compromising quality or rigor. By the end, attendees will leave with a realistic roadmap for blending human expertise with intelligent support. They will see how AI can expand the designer's capacity to build thoughtful, inclusive, and engaging online courses.

Keywords:

AI, instructional design, course development.