Teresa Foulger

College Catalyst

Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation

I was fortunate to be part of the original Principled Innovation development team in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. With a firm framework in place, I coordinated efforts with instructors of our Educational Studies bachelor’s degree to infuse PI into all coursework, ensuring students engaged with important ethical and character-based decision-making processes as part of their learning experience.

As part of that work, along with two colleagues, I helped design a protocol called the “Appreciative Tuning Protocol” to expand what we call the “bright spots” – areas in coursework where PI makes a difference – and support one another to expand the bright spots to maximize the positive influence of PI on students’ learning experiences.

Currently, I have a new research project focused on exploring generative AI, a cutting-edge technology. Particularly in education, the dust has not settled enough to allow us to fully understand the opportunities and challenges posed by generative AI tools. While we are trying to figure out the potential of genAI tools to enhance learning, we know they also pose ethical questions that must be addressed. Along with fellow researchers, I’m investigating how the PI framework can help instructional designers and instructors make thoughtful decisions about integrating AI-based tools in higher education coursework. I am working on research that helps instructors consider the four domains of PI in order to maximize the benefits of AI while maintaining a strong ethical foundation for teaching and learning.