The AI 2 (AI INTELLIGENCE) PROJECT: A STUDY ON USING AI IN THE CLASSROOM, STUDENT PERCEPTIONS AND TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING IN AN AI CONTEXT

This paper explores how AI tools can be integrated into the classroom through a project called AI2 (AI Intelligence), which was designed to encourage student engagement and critical thinking regarding AI. Following a pilot session in class, we incorporated the assignment into focus group sessions (n = 42) to examine its effectiveness and how students perceive the usefulness of AI in academic work, their concerns, and the potential for meaningful learning. Students also responded to an online survey measuring areas of transformative learning. Findings showed that students appreciated AI for improving research, efficiency, and personalizing their learning experience, but also voiced concerns about overdependence and academic integrity. Students also highlighted the importance of human judgment when working with AI, and valued structured sessions allowing them to explore AI responsibly. From a transformative learning perspective, findings indicated that students experienced stronger habitual action and reflection regarding AI use with the assignment. Teaching effectiveness scores were significantly higher, indicating the assignment’s pedagogical value as well. The assignment prompts and recommendations for implementation are included. The AI2 project provides a practical and adaptable framework for incorporating AI into the classroom, enhancing transformative learning and helping students prepare for a rapidly evolving professional landscape.