FOLC Fest explores human-centered AI across ASU campus

JOYCELYN MUÑOZ

February 9, 2026

The future of learning is not defined by smarter tools alone; it is shaped by how those tools serve the people who teach and learn. That vision anchored Arizona State University’s Future of Learning Community (FOLC) Fest, a two-day event where faculty, staff and students examined how human-centered AI can enhance education while preserving reflection, curiosity and connection.

Held on October 5-6 at the Omni Hotel in Tempe, FOLC Fest brought together educators and instructional designers from across the university to explore how AI can responsibly support teaching and learning. Teams from ASU Enterprise Technology were onsite to take part in FOLC Fest, hosting two workshop sessions.

Read on to explore the sessions led by ASU Enterprise Technology and catch a glimpse of the conversations and presentations that shaped ASU FOLC Fest.

Read on to explore the sessions led by ASU Enterprise Technology and catch a glimpse of the conversations and presentations that shaped ASU FOLC Fest.

Educators spent day one giving feedback on learning tools

One featured interactive workshop, Designing the Future of Learning with CreateAI Builder and the Learning Design Suite was led by the AI Acceleration Team’s Paul Alvarado, associate director of AI programs and analytics, and Jinjing Zhao, AI experience manager. A live demonstration of the Learning Design Suite (LDS) invited real-time feedback from ASU educators and instructors throughout the session.

The LDS includes tools such as REQUESTA, AI Transcription Tool, Language Buddy, Learning Objectives Creator, Sentinel: AI Conversation Coach, Syllabot and Syllabus Helper. All of which are designed to improve instructional and learning experiences at ASU.

While many of the tools are in alpha or beta stages, they are available for faculty to explore as development progresses. The tools embody ASU’s approach to artificial intelligence by combining learning science, principled innovation and ethical AI practices to enhance teaching, engagement and accessibility.

“These tools are designed, developed and iterated – shaped by principal innovation – because we want to make sure these tools are responsible and being used ethically,” Zhao said.

Student panelists shine spotlight on AI during day two

Day two of FOLC Fest featured The Human in the Machine: Reimagining Education, Ethics, and Connection in the Age of AI. The dynamic, student-led panel highlighted how AI is reshaping learning through the lens of student experience.

The panel was led by Product Manager Faith Timoh, AI Innovation Specialist Grace Nkossia, and AI Innovation interns, Powj Nyibong, Faraj Tessilimi, Mariam Serghat and Tinotenda Muponda.

Students shared how they experience the rapid evolution of AI and what they’ve learned through their academic and professional journeys at ASU. Faculty engaged with student-informed strategies for designing future-ready assignments, safeguarding data privacy and using AI to support student well-being.

Students emphasized the importance of maintaining human connection in the classroom, underscoring the need for instructors to remain present and attentive.

“We want AI to adapt, but we still want teachers to help us connect. AI can help explain something in a different way that we can understand easily, but we still want teachers to notice when we ask.”

Panelists also spoke about the value of making mistakes, noting that error and reflection are essential to human growth.

“AI didn't tell us what to do, but instead, it helped us to reflect,” said Muponda. “As students, we are not asking AI to think for us. We want it to support us while we think better.”

Rather than positioning AI as an answer machine, FOLC Fest reinforced learning as a shared, iterative process where technology supports better thinking, and people remain responsible for meaning, growth and connection.