AI Institute for Teaching and Learning
Valley City State University’s Artificial Intelligence Institute for Teaching and Learning empowers educators and students to use artificial intelligence ethically, responsibly, and effectively while leading innovation in learning.
Message from the President
Dr. Allen Burgad, Interim President
Artificial intelligence is here, and our responsibility is to ensure that VCSU graduates are prepared to use it effectively, ethically and responsibly. While AI will play an important role in education and the workplace, our commitment to developing critical thinkers, effective collaborators, and thoughtful leaders remains unchanged. At VCSU, we embrace AI as a tool that enhances human potential – not one that replaces it.
About the Institute
Valley City State University is committed to transforming K–12 education and enhancing the VCSU learning experience through the innovative integration of artificial intelligence. By anticipating the AI-driven future of education, VCSU’s AI Institute will prepare educators and staff to adopt lasting, effective practices for applying AI in teaching and daily operations. Through collaboration with several other North Dakota institutions and agencies, the Institute will lead the way with exceptional training programs for K-12 teachers that ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the AI-driven future of education.
The Institute has identified six strategic priorities:
Teacher Training
VCSU will offer comprehensive AI training programs for K-12 educators and VCSU faculty, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the AI-driven future of education. Through collaboration with other agencies, we will:
- Provide online, adaptive learning opportunities at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels for K-12 teachers.
- Host two or more summer AI workshops for K-12 teachers lasting 2-3 days.
- Provide multiple training opportunities for VCSU faculty.
Career-Ready Graduates
We will provide all graduates with the expertise needed to thrive in an AI-centric world, fostering innovation and adaptability.
- Focus will be put on systematically infusing AI across the curriculum – each discipline, including faculty research and student needs, will utilize AI as it relates to their field of study.
- Utilizing AI in experiential learning to provide even more opportunities for students. The institute will create a partnership between Information Technology (IT) and academic departments to provide students with professionally guided, hands-on experience for academic credit. VCSU has established an AI policy and an AI Review Board to oversee and manage AI system deployment and AI development.
Creating Personalized Learning Pathways
VCSU will spearhead research initiatives to develop and implement new educational paradigms empowered by AI and learning science to enhance student learning outcomes and teaching effectiveness.
- The institute will harness AI and combine it with teaching and learning best practices to explore new educational paradigms that personalize learning. The goal is to create a more individualized appropriate learning experience that increases engagement and maximizes the potential of each learner. Local AI development and AI systems management is needed to combine the power of Large Language Model (LLM) chatbots with an individual’s private data while maintaining user data privacy.
- AI-powered tutors like chatbots will provide students with on-demand, personalized support. Chatbots can answer questions, identify areas needing improvement, and offer targeted explanations and practice exercises. AI can also provide real-time feedback while creating new content to help users refine their work.
- AI emotional intelligence assistance could be combined with AI Tutor capabilities, taking care to keep these conversations private and not used by the LLM.
- Develop hardware and software to support local AI development and require AI systems management.
- VCSU will continue grant writing focused on continued AI research related to teaching and learning to ensure continued funding and exploration of new educational paradigms.
AI Engagement and Excellence
Incentivizing AI engagement among educators, staff and students, fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence in AI education.
- The institute will provide stipends and/or tuition scholarships for VCSU employees and K-12 teachers engaging in AI training opportunities.
- The institute will provide AI excellence awards for various categories and a published case study will accompany each award so others can gain insight and inspiration.
- The institute will create AI certificates available as additional coursework for students. It will also provide full or partial tuition scholarships for learners pursuing these certificates.
- The institute will create new academic programs or tracks with significant AI components and provide full or partial tuition scholarships for learners pursuing these new degrees.
Ubiquitous Access
Ensuring widespread access to AI tools and resources for employees and students, leveling the playing field and promoting inclusivity in AI education.
- The institute will acquire software to allow for development of generative AI LLM Applications for general work. This software will allow the LLM to combine with student private data while keeping VCSU private data private.
- The institute will use existing resources and systems to develop and maintain local AI development and AI systems management, as well as purchasing outside resources and software. This will include discipline specific AI applications.
- The institute will increase accessibility through language translation, dictation, captioning and conversion of content to user preferences.
- The institute will also provide support documentation and training for VCSU standard AI tool(s).
Model Institution
VCSU will provide AI expertise for North Dakota employees by creating a model institution for the responsible and effective deployment of AI across the entire organization, setting standards for AI integration and ethical usage.
Strategic Plan
A benchmark strategy within VCSU’s newly adopted strategic plan is to cultivate and support continuous innovation that improves quality, increases efficiency, expands research opportunities, and strengthens our culture of excellence. Several key measures of success for this strategy focuses on AI:
- All graduates will have opportunities to interact with AI (artificial intelligence) through their course work
- AI institutional strategy developed, including: A formal project development and prioritization process resulting in 1–2 additional high‑impact AI projects or initiatives being implemented
- Increase workflow efficiencies for faculty and staff through the use of AI
- Continue funding and support for AI Institute
Ethics
Valley City State University’s Artificial Intelligence Policy 1203.3 promotes the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, research, and operations. The institution encourages innovation while safeguarding privacy, respecting intellectual property, ensuring equitable access, and maintaining human accountability. Members of the VCSU community are expected to evaluate AI-generated content critically and apply AI in ways that advance learning, support academic integrity, and benefit individuals and society.
Strategic Priorities
AI Literacy and Access
Ensure all learners have access to AI tools and the foundational knowledge needed to use them effectively. Broad AI literacy is essential for equitable participation in an increasingly AI-driven society.
Ethics, Responsibility, and Critical Thinking
Promote hands-on AI learning grounded in ethical decision-making and critical analysis. Learners should understand privacy, acceptable use, bias, and the responsible evaluation of AI-generated content, preparing them to be informed users and leaders of AI rather than passive consumers.
Data Privacy, Security, and Responsible Governance
Foster a strong understanding of data protection, cybersecurity, and responsible AI governance. Learners should recognize how AI systems depend on data, networks, and digital infrastructure, as well as the risks that can arise from poor security, privacy, and governance practices.
Workforce Readiness and Adaptability
Align AI education with current and emerging workforce needs while developing the flexibility to adapt to evolving technologies, job roles, and industry practices. Learners should be prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing, AI-enabled workplace.
AI Integration
Just as instructors determine the appropriate use of calculators, reference materials, or collaboration, they also determine the appropriate role of AI in their classrooms. The model below provides a simple framework for communicating AI expectations to students.
| Approach | Description |
| Prohibited | AI not allowed – focus on original work |
| Limited | AI allowed for brainstorming, planning |
| Integrated | AI used intentionally as a learning tool |
What We Expect from Students:
|  |
What We Expect from Faculty and Staff:
|  |
Strong human skills. Smart AI use. Future-ready graduates.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, but it is not replacing the qualities employers value most. Research from Lightcast and the Burning Glass Institute shows that employers continue to place a high premium on communication, critical thinking, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, problem-solving, and sound judgment. In fact, these human-centered competencies are becoming even more important as AI reshapes how work gets done.
At VCSU, we believe AI skills should be built upon a strong foundation of career-ready competencies. Students learn how to use AI effectively and ethically while strengthening the communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills that employers consistently seek. The result is graduates who are prepared not only to work with AI tools, but to lead, innovate, and make informed decisions in an AI-enabled world.
AI in the Workplace
New AI-enabled careers are emerging in every academic discipline – from artists and educators to business professionals, scientists, communicators, and healthcare specialists. VCSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees from 13 different academic departments and below find a list of new jobs that have already been created because of AI:
- Art: AI Artist, Digital Media Creator, Creative Technology Designer
- Business: AI Business Consultant, Automation Manager, Data-Driven Decision Analyst
- Communication Arts: AI Content Creator, Digital Storytelling Specialist, Chatbot Designer
- Computer Systems & Software Engineering: AI Engineer, Machine Learning Developer, AI Architect
- School of Education: AI Instructional Coach, Curriculum Innovation Specialist, Personalized Learning Designer
- Graduate Programs: AI Project Manager, AI Policy Leader, Organizational Change Consultant
- Kinesiology & Human Performance: Sports Analytics Specialist, Smart Fitness Coach, Wearable Technology Analyst
- Language & Literature: Prompt Engineer, AI Editor, Language Technology Specialist
- Mathematics: Data Scientist, AI Modeler, Predictive Analytics Expert
- Music: AI Music Producer, Audio Technology Specialist, Digital Composer
- Science: Computational Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, Environmental AI Researcher
- Technology & STEM Education: Robotics Educator, AI Education Specialist, STEM Innovation Coordinator
Transforming Course Quality through AI
Rubric Runner is an AI-powered course review tool developed by VCSU to help faculty improve the quality of online learning. By analyzing courses against established quality standards, the system identifies strengths, highlights gaps, and generates recommendations before formal peer review. The result is a faster, more consistent process that supports continuous improvement and student success.
Building North Dakota’s AI Education Leaders
The ND Champions of AI Education Program will prepare educators to become AI leaders in their schools and communities. Through hands-on training and a train-the-trainer model, participants gain the knowledge, resources, and confidence to help other educators use AI responsibly and effectively. Together, these champions are advancing AI literacy and innovation across North Dakota.
Turning Great Ideas into Transformational Outcomes
The VCSU AI Mini Grant Program provides funding for faculty and staff to explore innovative uses of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, and student success. Grant recipients pilot new ideas, evaluate their impact, and share their findings with colleagues, helping accelerate innovation and the adoption of effective AI practices across campus.
Where innovation, Education, and AI Convege
The Ignite Conference brings together educators, technology leaders, and innovators to explore the future of artificial intelligence in education. Featuring keynote speakers, practical workshops, and collaborative learning opportunities, Ignite helps participants discover new ideas, build valuable connections, and gain strategies for preparing learners and organizations for an AI-driven future.
Making Sense of AI for Everyone
The AI Lecture Series connects students, educators, employers, and community members with experts who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Through engaging presentations and discussions, participants explore AI’s impact on education, the workforce, and society while gaining practical insights into the opportunities and challenges ahead. Offered both in person and online, the series helps make AI accessible to audiences across North Dakota.
Practical Skills for Today’s Educators and Professionals
VCSU’s AI Spring Training series delivers hands-on professional development focused on real-world applications of artificial intelligence. Participants explore AI tools, instructional strategies, productivity enhancements, and emerging trends while gaining practical skills they can immediately apply in the classroom and workplace. The program has attracted participants from across VCSU and the North Dakota University System.
Balancing AI and Education: VCSU's Approach
Read more about VCSU's commitment to learning with AIVCSU is choosing a future in which innovation serves learning, not replaces it. Where tools support human judgment rather than overshadow it. Where students graduate not only familiar with emerging technologies but grounded in deeper habits of inquiry and understanding.
Jerry Rostad, VCSU Director of Special Projects
AI Lecture Series
Valley City State University hosted a free three-part lecture series in April titled “Making Sense of AI: Education, Workforce and Community.”
The three-session lecture series explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the workplace and redefining the skills employers value most. Designed to cut through the hype, the series focuses on practical, real‑world insights relevant to students, parents, and working professionals. The first session introduces AI in clear, accessible terms. The second highlights how educators and students are using AI to enhance teaching and learning. The final session examines AI’s impact on the job market and showcases how professionals are already integrating AI into their daily work. The series is presented by VCSU’s AI Institute for Teaching and Learning.
See recordings of the lectures below as they become available.
Contact Us
-
Larry Brooks,
Vice President for Academic Affairs
DepartmentsAcademic Affairs, AI Institute
Office Location- McFarland Hall 213
-
Joe Tykwinski, M.S.
Chief Information Officer
DepartmentsAI Institute, Information Office, Technology Services
Office Location- Rhoades Science Center 111A