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.

Robot and person fist bumping. Text: "AI can take on that work, and no human helpers are needed. The project gets done, but some of the lessons don't get learned." -Amanda Sturgill

Tell the Robot How You Feel About Learning 

In many ways, AI assistance can be helpful with writing, but one that has never made sense to me is asking AI to help formulate an opinion. I occasionally see this from students when I ask them what they think…

Glowing blue pen hovering above notebook. White quote text: "As educators, we need to be re-examining the borders between “learn” and “do” and how we might scaffold both in the age of generative AI.”

Blue Books and In-Class Writing Are Not a Panacea 

In comments sections and replies in both educator spaces and mass media articles, it’s common to see exhortations to simply return to an earlier time where students demonstrated knowledge in class. I myself recall needing to remember to stop by…

Orange brain with AI network and quote text: "...preliminary data suggested that initially relying on LLM help early on affected later performance, even if the LLM use stopped for the later task. That’s a powerful finding.”

When it Comes to AI in Education, Timing May Matter 

I’ve participated in several professional education opportunities this summer related to AI as a tool for higher education, and one of my biggest takeaways is that there is little agreement among faculty.   Even in a tiny academic unit of fewer…

This flaw in simulations can create misrepresent cultural dynamics, portraying groups based on leaked bias instead of reality.” with young woman and older German man talking through cup phone.

AI and Learning About Cultures 

  Several of the high-impact practices in higher education require learners to practice stepping out of their cultural comfort zone. For instance, a co-op or internship can require adapting to the culture of a workplace. Undergraduate research means learning to…

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…