Artificial Intelligence and Learning: experimenting with new ways of discussing case studies in the classroom

At Università della Svizzera italiana, artificial intelligence is more than just a subject of study; it is a practical tool integrated directly into learning activities.

In Professor Jeanne Mengis's Organisational Communication course, part of the Master in Corporate Communication (MCC), students Anila Bytyqi, Laris Casprini, and Francesca Cilvetti experimented with various AI tools to create an introductory video for a case study on a well-known streaming platform. The video was used to initiate and facilitate a classroom discussion.

To produce it, the students first used AI to develop a draft script, which was subsequently adapted for the lesson. They then created cartoon avatars from personal photographs and generated images illustrating the various scenarios described in the video. These images were transformed into short clips using AI video-generation tools and edited alongside audio recordings of the three students to create a short introductory film.

The video set the stage for a series of educational activities dedicated to the platform's organisational culture, including discussions and group-work simulations. This allowed students to critically analyse different forms of control within the organisation, reflecting on how narratives surrounding autonomy, individual responsibility, and continuous feedback can morph into more subtle forms of control.

The experiment demonstrates how artificial intelligence can serve as a creative tool, supporting innovative teaching methods and student engagement. At the same time, integrating AI into educational settings presents new challenges for teaching and requires critical reflection to ensure it remains a conscious aid rather than a mere automatism.