Reflection on AI for instruction and learning

Reflection on AI for instruction and learning

by Abeer Okaz -

I think AI can significantly enhance instruction and learning when integrated effectively into educational contexts. AI can support learner autonomy, motivation, and self-regulated learning, especially when used alongside instructor scaffolding and reflective practices.

I do not have much experience in course design so I am not sure about the effect of AI for course development. I am assuming it will also help course developer come with the guidelines but they will need to make necessary changes based on their learners' needs.

One article that matches my context is:

Hirschel, R., & Horai, K. (2025). AI-assisted corrective written feedback for EFL learners: Accuracy, learner perceptions, and pedagogical implications. System, 118, 103165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2025.103165

I chose this article because I find it relevant  to higher education context. This study demonstrates how AI-assisted tools can be effectively incorporated into university-level writing instruction to promote student autonomy, improve writing skills, and address instructional challenges such as large class sizes and limited teacher feedback time. The study highlights the importance of integrating AI with pedagogical scaffolding and reflection, offering practical insights for educators seeking to enhance feedback efficiency and learner engagement in diverse higher education contexts.

Reflection on AI for instruction and learning

by Dr. Nellie Deutsch -

Hi Abeer,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on how artificial intelligence can be used in education and the research that supports your view. Your focus on how these tools can increase learner autonomy and motivation shows a clear understanding of how technology can help students take charge of their own progress. It is helpful to see your emphasis on the balance between automated tools and the necessary role of instructors in providing scaffolding and reflection.

Your ideas regarding course development are also very insightful. You correctly identified that while AI can help create foundational guidelines, the human developer is essential for making sure those plans actually meet the specific needs of the learners. This perspective ensures that the technology remains a helpful assistant rather than a replacement for careful instructional design.

The article by Hirschel and Horai from 2025 provides a great example of these concepts in a real university setting. It shows how AI can help teachers manage large classes by providing quick feedback, which directly supports your points about improving writing skills and promoting independence. I noticed the link in your original message was not working, so I found the research for you. It turns out the title is Exploring AI to automate EFL corrective written feedback in the first language, published in the journal Technology in Language Teaching & Learning.

Exploring AI to automate EFL corrective written feedback in the first language

The study is particularly relevant because it examines a ChatGPT-powered Moodle plugin that provides grammatical feedback in a student’s native language. The authors found that while the AI was highly accurate and appreciated by students, its real value came from being integrated into a structured process that included brainstorming and error logs. This confirms your point that AI works best when paired with pedagogical scaffolding.

It is also important to remember that links to research provided by AI should always be checked for accuracy. Sometimes titles or sources can be slightly off in digital citations, so verifying the information ensures you have the most reliable resources for your work. Thank you for bringing this relevant study to the conversation.