Art and design schools add generative AI to classes, with debate

In short: Schools, including art and design programs, are adding generative AI tools to classes, and not everyone agrees on what that means for skills and jobs.

What's going on

Generative AI, which is software that can create text, images, or other content from a prompt (like asking for a draft and getting one back), is showing up more often in school courses. The goal is to help students learn how these tools work and how to use them responsibly.

Some universities are building formal plans for this. California State University Fullerton (CSUF) moved from a planning phase in 2023 and 2024 to a more active rollout starting in spring 2024. It supported faculty workshops, upgraded technology systems, and offered incentives to add AI into spring 2025 courses. CSUF reported that over 94% of participating faculty used AI in their teaching, and some described it as a “co-creator” that may become a normal part of many classes.

Schools are also using AI for personalized learning, meaning lessons can adjust based on what a student struggles with. Examples include chatbot tutors like ChatGPT and other “adaptive” learning systems (like a practice app that changes the next question based on your last answer). In creative programs, AI can speed up work like 3D modeling and animation, for example by turning text into images that students can build on.

What to watch

The big question is balance. Many educators use AI for tasks like brainstorming, but some worry it could weaken basic skills or shrink entry-level job opportunities in creative fields. Expect more training programs for teachers, more rules about how student data is used, and more pressure on schools to prove students can do the work with and without AI.

Source: The Verge AI