Framingham State Secures $330K Grant to Redesign 20 Courses with AI Integration

Framingham State University is set to integrate artificial intelligence into approximately 20 courses following a $330,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation. This initiative, named "Leading to Integrate Artificial Intelligence into Student Experiences" (LIAISE), plans to empower faculty to incorporate AI tools and concepts across various academic disciplines. The project spans two years, signaling a focused effort on modernizing educational approaches to meet future workforce demands.

The grant specifically targets the redesign of around 20 courses, directly impacting more than 300 students. This figure represents over 10% of the university's undergraduate population. Students will learn how AI tools intersect with their chosen fields of study and future careers, preparing them for an increasingly technology-driven world.

To achieve this, faculty members will receive summer stipends and course releases to participate in this redesign effort. The university will implement a "community of practice" model, where cohorts of faculty, known as LIAISE Course Redesign Fellows, will collaborate to integrate AI into existing courses. Training covers practical applications like prompt engineering—the process of crafting effective instructions for AI systems—and evaluating AI-generated content for accuracy or bias. It also includes strategies for designing assignments that promote responsible and effective AI usage.

Keri Ann Sather-Wagstaff, associate provost and principal investigator on the grant, stated, "Training will include not only career-focused applications for AI, but also the ethical and environmental implications of AI." This comprehensive approach ensures students understand both the utility and the societal impact of artificial intelligence. Once redesigned, these courses will continue to incorporate AI learning outcomes in future semesters. Framingham State plans to share its findings and best practices with peer institutions, aiming to establish itself as a leader in AI-integrated teaching. The long-term impact of this curriculum evolution on student readiness and academic innovation remains a key area to observe.