Amanda Sturgill

Amanda Sturgill, associate professor of journalism, is the 2024-2026 CEL Scholar. Her work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and engaged learning in higher education. Dr. Sturgill also previously contributed posts on global learning as a seminar leader for the 2015-2017 research seminar on Integrating Global Learning with the University Experience.

AI-generated image of professor handing student paper to a robot to grade. Quote: "If AI is of limited value in detecting AI, does it have value on its own in assessing or providing feedback on student writing? "

Should AI be Involved in Assessing Student Work? 

I was at a campus workshop this week, and we discussed this recent article about a student requesting a tuition refund after discovering a piece of course content was generated by ChatGPT (Hill 2025). I thought the use of the…

"Both students and teachers should reflect on what happened when they used AI. Did the tool work like they expected? Did you find bias or other problems?" -Amanda Sturgill

How Might Generative AI Impact DEI in University Classes  

I sometimes describe the content that generative AI creates as pumpkin spice latte content, to get a giggle from my students. I think the analogy holds up: It’s tasty. It’s filling. And it is absolutely not anything that will surprise…

A background image shows the outline of a human head with digital nodes connecting it to a computer chip. Text overlays read, "CEL Podcasts. Making College Worth It. AI and Engaged Learning in Higher Ed."

AI and Engaged Learning in Higher Education

Making College “Worth It” – Season 2, Episode 7 In this episode, Amanda Sturgill shares insights from her ongoing exploration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and engaged learning in higher education. Dr. Sturgill is the 2024-2026 Center for Engaged Learning…

White robot hand palm up. White quote reads: "GenAI tools themselves should be designed to support knowledge workers' critical thinking by addressing their awareness, motivation, and ability barriers."

Unlocking the Link Between Generative AI Confidence and Critical Thinking Skills

Educators aren’t the only ones thinking about the relationship between generative AI and critical thinking. A recent study by Lee et al. (2025) from Carnegie Mellon University and others from Microsoft Research surveyed 319 knowledge workers about their experiences using…

White quote text "The real danger is more than AI in education itself. Perhaps it lies in replacing human understanding and communication with convenience.” overlayed on an image of smart phone with phone messaging app open.

When Education Becomes Performative, Learning Suffers 

Generative AI is great at writing to a script.  I have a waking nightmare, of sorts, involving AI and email: someone writes to me by prompting an AI system with a topic. I feel I need to reply, but I’m…