UWTL2026 | Day 1 | Online Conference | April 29​

“The Human Factor: Shaping the Role of AI in Higher Education”​ 17th Annual University of Waterloo Teaching and Learning Conference, April 29-April 30, 2026

Overview

In this session, I explore how warning-only messaging about AI can position educators as enforcers and students as potential offenders, and how more positive or humorous framing may better support decision-making while still preserving clear expectations and consequences.

Topics covered

• Warning-only framing and its limits
• Message framing in public fundraising and public health behaviour change research
• The benefits of humour for learning and for “being seen” (counters social loafing and diffusion of responsibility)
• The structure of the 90-minute self-paced faculty-focused workshop focusing on integrating humour and positive framing to integrate classroom messages and conversations about AI
• Practical examples and media instructors might adapt for their own courses and for learning activities and communication

Presentation Takeaway Toolkit

Mentioned Podcast Episodes

Glass, I. (Host). (2025, February 7). Ira Glass teaches you how to make money [Audio podcast episode]. This American Life Partners. Apple Podcasts.

Stripling, J. (Host). (2025, January 21). The cheating vibe shift [Audio podcast episode]. In College matters from The Chronicle. The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Mentioned Slides