OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
OCTOBER 2025
AI Fluency initiative featured on CBS Evening News
In September, CBS Evening News Plus came to Ohio State to cover the AI Fluency initiative, calling it a "first in the nation initiative." Kevin Richards, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature, was interviewed in the story about his section of the newly AI-embedded General Education Launch Seminar and what lessons students will take away from it.
"I hope that they learn how to use it effectively for brainstorming, for organizing thoughts, but they don’t replace their critical thought with it," he said.
Register for the AI Fluency Forum
You can now register for the AI Fluency Forum on Nov. 12. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ohio Union Performance Hall. Throughout the day, attendees will see tangible demonstrations and presentations from other faculty on:
- Teaching in AI: Teaching AI and its field applications
- Teaching with AI: Using AI to enhance or optimize teaching and learning
- Utilizing AI for Research: Applying AI in research, including ways it can inform the classroom
Quick AI tip for instructors
Michael Flierl, Office of Academic Affairs Faculty Fellow for AI and associate professor/student learning librarian at University Libraries, shares a simple exercise to help students develop critical thinking when using AI:
Ask students to use Gemini Deep Research (in Tools) to collect information on a topic. Have them repeat the search using Google and the University Libraries’ website. What was similar? What was different? Compare and contrast the results, discussing differences in scope, quality, perspective or presentation of information.
The goal is to help students:
- Evaluate information and AI models critically
- Understand how different tools shape what information they see
- Build AI fluency by using AI in disciplinary-authentic ways
Ohio State receives funding for new center on responsible AI
The National Science Foundation recently awarded funding to Ohio State and its partner universities to create the Center on Responsible AI and Governance (CRAIG), which will be housed at Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law. The center will focus on developing the knowledge and workforce required to pursue safe, accurate, impartial and accountable artificial intelligence.
AI in the Classroom Q&A: Subbu Kumarappan
“I want students to understand how quickly AI is changing the business world — and how to use it to build their skills and careers," said Subbu Kumarappan, an associate professor teaching applied economics and business at Ohio State ATI. "I walk them through tools step by step, showing how to develop plans, identify knowledge gaps and grow as thinkers.”
AI Highlights
- The Ohio State University launches transformative AI hub
- College of Dentistry leverages generative AI for point of care integration of curriculum knowledge
- Vince Castillo featured on Spectrum News 1 for using AI in supply chain education
- Ohio State helps small business owners leverage AI tools
Opportunities
New Incentive for the AI Fluency Teaching Endorsement
There is now a new professional development incentive for earning the Teaching and Learning to Build AI Fluency teaching endorsement. This recently launched endorsement, which is open to all who teach and support instruction at Ohio State, helps educators understand AI and support students’ AI fluency through teaching.
Faculty and staff who earn the endorsement between December 2025 and August 2027 will be eligible to receive a $300 professional development incentive. Graduate students who earn the endorsement may be eligible for a transcript milestone recognizing their achievement.
Learn More and Enroll in the Endorsement
Share your AI story
We are actively finding ways to share, celebrate and support high-impact work related to AI Fluency at Ohio State. Fill out the survey in the link below if you are interested in sharing your work, and your lessons learned, with others. We would love to hear more about your experiences, challenges, ideas and advice for using AI in the classroom.
Teaching support for AI Fluency
The Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning provides a range of resources and learning opportunities to build your knowledge and skills around AI Fluency. Available to all who teach at Ohio State, the offerings will guide you to make informed decisions about designing learning activities that incorporate AI, communicating transparent expectations for AI use and employing teaching strategies that promote students’ acquisition of AI knowledge and skills.
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 2: Using GenAI: Hands-on Practical Uses for Educators
- Oct. 15: Teaching AI Fluency with Authenticity and Vulnerability
- Oct. 20: How AI is Changing Work and Learning
- Oct. 22: Teaching AI Fluency: Engaging with AI Tools
- Oct. 23: Construct I/O: The Builder’s Summit 2025
Subscribe to the AI Fluency newsletter
If you did not receive the newsletter directly, you can subscribe to AI Fluency at Ohio State at the link below. Please share with others who are interested in staying up to date on AI Fluency news and developments.