From Busywork to Brainwork: Assignments that Build Real Skills

Are your students going through the motions on assignments that feel disconnected from real-world application? Do you find yourself grading work that checks boxes but doesn't demonstrate meaningful learning? Do you feel like more of an AI Detective than a teacher? In this interactive session, you'll transform traditional assignments into authentic assessments, identify hidden barriers that make assignments unclear or inaccessible to novice learners, and design assignments that mirror the real work of your discipline. Bring at least one assignment you currently use (or are developing) that could be improved through guided analysis, peer feedback, and structured redesign activities. Why you should attend: Identify elements of authentic assignments and traditional assignments Design assignments that mirror real-world professional tasks and contexts within your discipline Analyze your expert blind spots and where they create barriers in your assignment designs This session is part of the Assignment Design in the AI Era Series, designed to guide you through developing a coherent AI teaching philosophy, redesigning assignments for authenticity and skill-building, and creating transparent learning experiences that help students understand the "why" behind their work. To register for this event, use the Fall 2026 Assignment Design in the AI Era CFE Session Registration Form. Advance registration is required. Registration will close one business day before the scheduled