Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way many professionals work, including instructional designers. The integration of AI in work environments has many professionals considering how they can ethically and effectively utilize it as a tool in their jobs. This begs the question: what does effective AI adoption actually look like?
The latest episode of Southern Nazarene University (SNU)’s Center for Learning and Innovation’s The Instructional Designer Lounge podcast explores the potential role of AI in instructional design. Dr. Lynn Lease, Program Director of SNU’s Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT) program, sat down with Christy Tucker, who shared her insights on “Artificial Intelligence and Instructional Design.”
Practical AI Applications for Instructional Designers
While the possibilities are seemingly endless, there are several practical ways instructional designers can incorporate AI into their workflows.
Throughout the podcast, Christy emphasized using AI as a tool to support the design process rather than replacing it. She shared that she regularly uses large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Claude to generate images for projects, help brainstorm webinar titles, organize complex information, and make sense of notes from subject matter experts (SMEs).
For instructional designers, these tasks can often be time-consuming. AI tools can help streamline early-stage work, which allows designers more time to focus on strategy, learners’ needs, and instructional effectiveness.
Using AI for Analysis and Research
AI can also be incredibly helpful when working with large quantities of information.
Christy shared an example of using AI to analyze dozens of job descriptions for a professional association. By using this tool to analyze the data, she was able to identify common themes and skill areas that would have been much more difficult and time-intensive to discover manually.
However, she also stressed the importance of human oversight. While AI can help identify patterns and organize information, it’s imperative that instructional designers verify the accuracy of the results and determine whether the conclusions are meaningful.
In other words, AI can accelerate analysis, but should not replace professional judgment.
Beware the “Efficiency Illusion”
One of the most insightful moments of the conversation centered on what Christy described as the “illusion of speed.”
While AI can generate a first draft in seconds, that does not necessarily mean that the work is finished faster.
In some cases, instructional designers may spend significant time revising, correcting, and refining AI-generated content. This is another example of where that crucial human oversight comes into play. This often results in a process that feels efficient at first glance, but can often require more effort than creating the content independently.
This highlights an important lesson: effective AI use is not about using AI for everything, but about recognizing when AI adds value and when a task is better completed through more traditional methods.
AI as a Thinking Partner
Christy also suggests looking at AI as a “thinking partner” rather than simply a content generator.
Although many professionals use AI primarily to create content, Christy described using it to challenge and improve her own ideas. For example, she may ask AI to identify weaknesses in an argument, recognize missing perspectives, or act as a “critical intern” that provides constructive feedback.
This approach encourages deeper thinking and can help instructional designers strengthen their work before presenting it to clients, stakeholders, or learners.
Rather than using AI to replace creativity and critical thinking, it can serve as a tool that helps sharpen them.
Ethics, Privacy, and Intellectual Property Matter
As AI adoption grows, ethical considerations remain a key part of the conversation.
Christy discussed concerns related to privacy, intellectual property, and organizational responsibility. She noted that organizations should establish clear guardrails around how AI tools are used, particularly when sensitive information is involved.
She also emphasized the importance of respecting the work of artists and creators. Instead of asking AI to imitate a living artist's style, she suggested supporting creators directly by hiring them when a specific artistic style is desired.
These considerations are essential, as they remind instructional designers that responsible AI use requires more than technical knowledge; it also demands ethical decision-making and professional integrity.
Why Human Expertise Still Matters
Despite accelerating advances in AI technology, instructional designers continue to play an essential role in creating impactful learning experiences.
It’s important to remember that while AI can organize information, generate ideas, and assist with content development, it cannot replace the human skills that are central to instructional design. Understanding learner needs, applying learning science, collaborating with stakeholders, and making strategic decisions require the professional touch of skilled human beings.
Successful instructional design requires empathy, critical thinking, and expertise. These are qualities that technology can support well, but cannot replicate.
Taking the Next Step
For instructional designers interested in exploring how they can use AI, Christy’s advice was simple: make time to experiment.
Setting aside even 30 minutes each week to explore new tools can help professionals better understand what AI can and cannot do. Hands-on experience remains one of the best ways to build confidence and develop practical skills.
As technology continues to shape the future of learning, instructional designers who combine strong foundational knowledge and skills with the efficient and ethical use of emerging technologies will be well positioned for success.
Southern Nazarene University’s Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology equips students with the skills needed to design effective learning experiences in a rapidly evolving landscape. From learning theory and instructional strategy to educational technology and innovation, the program prepares graduates to meet the ever-changing needs of learners and the organizations who serve them.
To hear more from Christy Tucker on AI, instructional design, and the future of learning, listen to Episode 005 of The Instructional Designer Lounge on the SNU MSIDT program page, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
