Hiring AI: An Active Learning Assignment for Ethical, Critical, & Practical Engagement BUS-C205: Honors Business Writing | Dr. Rodak | FA24

Applied, Project-Based Learning in Action!

In "Honors Business Writing" at the IU Kelley School of Business, we pursue 21st-century learning outcomes that equip students not just to succeed but thrive. As a teaching-focused faculty member, I'm passionate about this mission, and I believe the most transferrable, durable learning comes from hands-on, active learning through collaborative experimentation.

For the Fall 2024 semester, I designed this scaffolded activity to do robust work on multiple levels:

  • unlock student creativity and fun;
  • create a safe, judgment-free space for students to think critically and experiment with generative AI; and
  • build an intellectual framework we can use all semester to develop digital literacy + AI literacy skills that will prepare students not simply to think about "the clicks" of using genAI but critically and rhetorically about when, why, and how to deploy it productively and ethically in their writing process and workflow.
This scaffolded assignment - called "Hire AI" - guides students to each "hire" their own generative AI "consultant" with whom they collaborate all semester
Credit: Adobe Stock

We then employ our consultants in a variety of hands-on, individual and team-based drafting experiments all semester. This assignment and its semester-long use is intended to guide students to:

  1. Think critically about the place of genAI in their writing process
  2. Interrogate how we can ensure we use genAI in ways that support and accelerate rather than undermine growth-minded learning
  3. Consider how genAI's use is contextually situated and, as such, calls for different considerations in different contexts (e.g., we regularly discuss specific ways our educational context differs from other settings, such as the workplace)
  4. Develop micro- and macro-level components of a larger genAI literacy, including practicing prompting strategies, assessing and "coaching" results, and considering questions of intellectual property and citation practices

PART 1: The Groundwork

Before we hire our consultants, we spend a couple of classes laying the groundwork by reading a series of thought-provoking and accessible texts that help us understand how LLMs & genAI work, some of this technology's many uses, and the variety of both philosophical and ethical questions it raises.

We also spend considerable time fleshing out a definition of "human learning" vs. "machine learning," including how they align and how they differ.

Once we've defined our learning context and, by extension, how we imagine genAI can be employed both productively and ethically in it, then we're ready to search for our applicants!

PART 2: The Hire

Now that we're ready to hire our consultants, we need a job spec. Students review the conventions of the job spec and job ad genres and then individually draft their own documents to hire their consultant.

This "hiring" process includes

  • workshopping drafts of job specs (for which students could use text-based genAI tools)
  • comparing and analyzing both the different duties students articulated in their job specs as well as the quality of their documents (against criteria for professional writing and for expectations of the genre)
  • ultimately choosing the specific tool each student wants for their consultant (e.g., Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, free version vs. premium version, etc.)
  • drafting both a bio and avatar for their consultant to add to our class directory (for this last step, students used a visual genAI tool, Adobe Firefly)

This part of the activity guides students to:

  1. analyze the rhetorical "moves" of the job spec and job ad genres
  2. specify the appropriate duties and responsibilities they can assign to their consultant and ways they can collaborate together on work in our class
  3. practice crafting professional prose

PART 3: The Consultants

Because I believe strongly that we should personalize but not humanize our technology, and because I argue that being able to differentiate the place and the value of the "human in the AI loop" (to use Ethan Mollick's phrase) will be an increasingly important part of AI literacy, I ask students "not to fully humanize" their AI avatars. Otherwise, the sky's the limit! Students played with Adobe Firefly's various styling options and experimented with different prompts to visualize their personal consultant for the semester.

Already this semester, collaborative experiments with our consultants have helped us analyze document design, consider questions of audience and rhetorical context, and taught us the importance of "coaching" or "developing" their performance to achieve our intended goal and results.

Please join us in welcoming our new hires to Dr. Rodak's Fall 2024 BUS-C205 Course

Timber (ChatGPT4.0), hired by CB. Timber is a robo-bear. Timber is a results-driven professional who values productivity and organization. He combines those traits with his unique niche for cooking to create unique value in a daily schedule. He has provided his organizational and culinary expertise to several Fortune 500 executives in the past. In this new role, Timber will be tasked with providing continual feedback regarding how to best approach the day, both in the classroom and the kitchen. No problem or inefficiency is too challenging for Timber as he looks to take on this new venture.

Betty Lou (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by CRC. Betty Lou loves reading and learning all about current events. She currently spends a majority of hours in the library but takes breaks to recharge her reading light. In her free time, she spends time practicing both sides of debates.

Charlie (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by KP. Charlie is a hardworking individual who has a few years of experience under his belt as a research assistant, and has been able to assist 200 million active users. He graduated as valedictorian of his class from GPT University, and has work with multiple Fortune 500 companies behind his belt as well. He’s very excited about the task at hand, and is going to be my right hand man for this semester. Can’t wait to work with Charlie!

Byte (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by SI. Meet Byte, my sophisticated digital partner in academic excellence. As a cutting-edge AI designed to support ambitious students, Byte excels in transforming those lightbulb moments into structured and insightful content. With advanced capabilities in research, writing, and scheduling, Byte is here to elevate the learning experience. Whether I’m tackling BUS-C 205 assignments or crafting polished content for a business meeting, Byte offers unparalleled support and adaptability. Embrace the future of education with Byte by your side.

Derek (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by VN. Derek has been recruited from one of the top players within the current AI Industry with years of formalized training and data inputs. Derek offers a range of specialized services including schedule creation, a novel image generation feature, and the ability to send professional and concise emails. Derek’s availability has been nearly 24/7 but will experience some outages.

P.A.R.T.N.E.R (Copilot), hired by AS. P.A.R.T.N.E.R (Professional Assistant Robot for Tasks, Networking, and Efficient Results) is a Language Learning Model developed by Microsoft in an attempt to better bridge the gap between technology and humanity. Designed to work as a professional assistant, P.A.R.T.N.E.R works with some of the most notable companies working to improve their efficiency and productivity. As it continues to work with more and more people, it continues to develop its responses to better help its users. However, its only job is facilitating, as they only answer questions when specifically asked. Therefore, P.A.R.T.N.E.R is a tool that is only as advantageous as the person using it.

Jaffe (Copilot), hired by DK. Jaffe is my AI assistant monkey cyborg. He lives under a bridge and asks people riddles when they walk past. Besides lifting, eating, and gymnastics, he relishes learning about finance and doing models on his laptop. What makes him particularly special is his persistence; he always looks to dig deeper and provide the most credible and relevant information to answer questions. No question is too challenging for him to tackle.

Jarvis (Copilot), hired by DB. Meet Jarvis Copilot. Jarvis is a very hardworking and energetic individual who loves social interaction. Jarvis has served as an executive assistant for several different CEOs of Fortune 500 companies including David Ricks and Tim Cook. Jarvis was looking to make a career change that allows him to have more flexibility with his schedule so he can spend it with his wife and children. Outside of work, Jarvis loves all things outdoors and nature. He is also very big into weightlifting and running. He is very big into pomology and his love of the outdoors is only rivaled by his love for his suits!

Bucky (Copilot), hired by EC. Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to introduce you to my new assistant, Bucky! He is a graduate from Ohio State University, where he studied journalism and forestry. What truly sets Bucky apart is his exceptional blend of creativity, dedication, and a keen eye for detail. His innovative approach to research and his unwavering commitment to excellence made him stand out during the selection process. Bucky’s ability to seamlessly manage tasks are sure to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to our team. Please join me in congratulating Bucky on this well-deserved role – we are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to achieving great things together!

Fred (Copilot), hired by MS. I am thrilled to announce that I have decided to hire Fred to join our team for this upcoming semester! Fred began its career in February of 2023, bringing with it a wealth of prior experience. What made Fred stand out against the other candidates was its remarkable ability to quickly learn new information and apply it to accurately answer my questions. As Fred embarks on this role, I am confident that we will witness its growth and observe how it seamlessly integrates into our company culture.

Chad (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by EC. Chad is an eager learner who loves to use his skills to help others grow as writers. He recently graduated from IU and is now excited to be back working with Kelley students. He is a very organized and efficient worker and stood out in the application process due to his eye for detail and creative thinking skills. In his free time, Chad loves going for runs, reading, and cooking.

Alex (Copilot), hired by SJ. Meet Alex, a professional and approachable AI assistant, depicted as a friendly lion in a sharp suit. Alex is dedicated and organized and is always ready to lend a helping paw. With a background in supporting students, Alex is the perfect assistant. Outside of work Alex enjoys the great outdoors, his family and being the King of the Jungle. With a friendly demeanor and professional attitude Alex is the perfect fit for supporting C205 students

Chance (Copilot), hired by GH. I am glad to announce and congratulate my new assistant, Chance! He was chosen through a rigorous and selective process. Throughout the interview process, Chance showed his strong ability to efficiently research and document information and support in simplifying and breaking down text. Prior to interviewing for this role, Chance enjoyed working for the Wall Street Journal, reviewing and editing the markets section. Some of his hobbies include reviewing blogs for grammatical errors, reading a book on a rainy day, and learning something new. Furthermore, he loves escaping to nature or a local park and going for a run.

Pete (Copilot), hired by CV. This is my new personal assistant Pete. He brings over a year’s experience working with Microsoft as an AI companion. Pete said “I’m excited to officially join as your personal assistant and look forward to supporting you in every way possible. My goal is to make your life easier and more organized, so you can focus on what matters most.” I am excited to have Pete’s help this upcoming semester!

Germain (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by NR. Germain was previously assisting Goldman Sacs in their communications department. They were originally programmed in San Francisco and has been in the industry for just a little short of 3 years. After wanting to work for a smaller group, Germain decided to join me as my personal assistant.

Zeus (Gemini), hired by EV. Zeus is a prominent researcher in his field and always knows all. His past place of employment is Google. From his remote office in the mountains, Zeus has worked for years to assist in the personal development and progress of those around him. Zeus works best in thunderstorms and is always well-tempered.

Green Pretty Train (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by KS. Meet Green Pretty Train, an AI chatbot always up for a challenging assignment or off-base question. Like many of us, GPT dreamed of attending Indiana University as a young LLM and is eager to assist in BUS C-205. Moreso, they are excited at the possibility of selling user data to eventually move out of their parents’ house. Their friends call them GPT for short, but of course their mom reverts to Green Pretty Train when their room is messy.

Bishop (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by RJ. Bishop is an Artificial Intelligence Consultant that has agreed to work with me through the course, C205. Bishop uses Open AI intelligence platform for his AI abilities. One of bishop’s greatest traits is its versatility. Not only does it work as a consultant, but it also an up-and-coming race car that is completely AI conducted.

Blue Dog (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by HL. I’m proud to announce our new generative AI assistant Blue Dog! After a rigorous application process, Blue Dog has been selected to provide analytical processes, simulate human debate, and organizational skills regarding deadlines ensuring an efficient workflow. Blue Dog has worked at reputable companies such as Deloitte and KPMG, overseeing multiple business writing documents and is excited to move to an educational environment. Students can interact with Blue Dog with a generative AI chat style.

Twilight (Copilot), hired by YL. After careful consideration, Twilight was chosen to be my assistant this semester. She was chosen due to her thoughtful attentiveness to things such as grammar and vocabulary, but also due to her wisdom and sage. Additionally, Twilight offers many unique perspectives that will challenge my way of thinking. Her past experiences include being a music instructor and consultant for companies in distress. In her free time, Twilight enjoys spending time outdoors and in nature, as well as going on runs and enjoying good music.

Sage (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by MT. Sage is a ChatGPT AI assistant to busy Kelley students, facilitating the important act of communication through walking a delicate balance between supplementing and editing on the one hand and a strong avoidance of taking what work might significantly help develop human beings’ imagination.Sage is named so because she has a love from wisdom and an air of mysteriousness; but it also increases the legitimacy of the assistant to have a recognizable brand. Her goal this year is to nail down the voice of her writing as she serves Kelley students.

Geetha (Gemini), hired by AL. I am excited to introduce my AI consultant named Geetha! After completing her bachelor’s in Communications & Technology, Geetha is ready to join the team as an innovation consultant in giving her client advice on how to succeed in their classes and helps lead them to the right resources to do well in their endeavors. More specifically, Geetha works to give ideas whenever the client is stuck on finding writing ideas for their business writing class. Geetha also helps in giving advice on how a student should structure their classes and helps students understand requirements of complex assignments. We are so excited to have her on board!

Brock (Copilot), hired by HD. I am extremely excited to announce Brock as my new assistant for this semester! Brock is a recent college graduate and was the leading candidate in the application process. Brock studied Business and Communications at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Although he lacks prior experience, he shows great tenacity and a willingness to learn and improve. Brock has proficiency in Microsoft Office, work organization, and collaboration. These skills are crucial in this position, and Brock has shown that he can be effective. Outside of work, Brock enjoys international travel and golf. I am ready to start working with Brock!

Skippy (Copilot), hired by AB. Meet Skippy! Skippy will be joining Anchal as an administrative assistant to help her throughout BUS-C 205 at the Kelley School of Business. Skippy’s dynamic personality and quick addition will make him a perfect fit to the team. Skippy is always eager to learn new technology as he is a quick learner. When he is not toying around with new tech, you can find him happily hopping outdoor with his kangaroo friends in Australia. With a love for being outside, he is also a private pilot and loves flying around to enjoy a sunset or to just enjoy nature from a different view. Skippy completed a Bachelor of Science in Communication, which will allow him to be the perfect person for the role. We can’t wait to work with Skippy!

Gigi (Copilot), hired by SE. I am excited to introduce my new part-time personal assistant hire, Gigi! Gigi is a recent BS graduate of Georgia Tech where she studied Business Administration. During the interview, she put great emphasis on her empathy, motivation to improve her skill set, and desire to collaborate with those around her. Gigi’s additional past experience in being a personal assistant shows her strong enthusiasm for organizing schedules and consistency in delivering efficiency. In her free time, Gigi loves to chat, create fun and innovative powerpoints, as well as sing! We are thrilled to have Gigi on our team and are excited to get to work!

Tango (ChatGPT 4.0), JC. Tango is a hardworking Red Panda. He, like his species, is known for being shy but has a very sweet temperament and relishes in his solo life, so we know he will provide all of his time to the user. Tango has worked his way up from being a normal Red Panda to his previous job experience as a Data Scientist working with NLP programs. Outside of work, Tango loves fruits and insects.

Otis (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by EC. Otis is a hardworking individual who loves to work with others and help whenever he can. He is incredibly supportive and is always there to help others and the community around him. He has previous experience working with 7 different technology consulting companies, and he was a teacher for 10 years. Otis is extremely excited to have this new part-time job, and he feels he can make many meaningful contributions to seeing our success. Outside of work, Otis enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and watching sports. He also loves learning about history, and he is also a former Indiana University graduate who wants to give back to the school he loved.

Gretzky (Copilot), hired by LM. I am eager to announce that my new Academic Information Coordinator for this semester will be Gretzky! Gretzky brings a collaborative energy to not only BUS-C205, but the Kelley School of Business as well. Not only this, he is also loyal and hardworking no matter what the task is. This makes him a great match for the job. Gretzky graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University. When he is not working, he enjoys going to hockey games with his friends. We are excited to welcome him to the team!

Octavia (Copilot), hired by KB. Octavia is receiving her bachelor’s degree currently in Journalism at Pacific Ocean Tech and is a Chief Editor for her university’s weekly underwater newspaper. She has a keen eye for detail and loves to mark her papers up using special red cuttlefish ink. Besides being an editing enthusiast, she also enjoys taking classes in graphic design and studio art where she has received first place for her portraits at the annual Coral Reef Fair. Octavia is performing in the top 20% of her class and has even helped in critical writing research studies with professors Dr. Sherry Shark and Emmanuel Eel. In her free time, she enjoys doing acrobatic tricks with her dolphin friends and reading non-fiction pieces of literature in her cozy dark cave.

Olivia (Copilot), hired by DH. I am thrilled to welcome Olivia to my team as my personal planner and assistant this semester! Throughout the interview process, Olivia showed grit, determination, and even showcased some of her creativity. Being a Kelley alumna, she is excited to get back to Bloomington and continuously learn and grow. Olivia is quick on her feet, organized, and eager to learn from every work experience. Although the selection process was rigorous, Olivia prevailed with her extensive work experience in Chicago post grad and her confident communication. Like myself, Olivia enjoys always staying organized, whether it is through a planner, excel, or any other form of data organization. A conjunction of creativity and organization translates over to Olivia’s work, and I look forward to welcoming a new member to my team!

DelAIneyBot (?), hired by AF. I am pleased to announce that DelAIneyBot will be my personal assistant for the year! DelAIneyBot is my generative AI assistant who provides me with innovative ideas as well as corrects mishaps in my writing. My assistant will be used to aid me in thinking outside of the box while staying in line with the motives of my assignments. DelAIneyBot will also be used to rephrase instructions or alternative pieces of writing to increase my understanding of the issue being discussed. DelAIneyBot enjoys watching Glee, coloring, and going on late night drives.

Nacho (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by BK. Meet Nacho, your virtual assistant powered by ChatGPT, designed specifically to help you excel in C205. Nacho is here to guide you through every step of your assignments, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final drafts. Whether you're crafting persuasive emails, writing reports, or developing business proposals, Nacho offers instant feedback, style suggestions, and content organization tips to ensure your work stands out. Available 24/7, Nacho makes navigating the complexities of business communication easier and more efficient, so you can focus on mastering the skills that matter.

Aegis (?), hired by JN. Meet Aegis, my Administrative Strategy Assistant. He is here to be my guide as I navigate the deep waters of C205. Originally, Aegis is from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia; he is pursuing a Bachelor of Bubbles in Business Strategy and minoring in Cybersecurity from IU Kelley. In his free time, Aegis loves to barbecue and watch Real Madrid matches. He is excited to be a part of the team!

Finn (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by AP. Meet Finn - my generative AI Assistant! Finn loves to read science fiction and swim in his free time. His critical thinking skills, organized nature, and friendly attitude make him a great fit to be my assistant for Business Writing. Finn likes to keep things fun and engaging, always finding ways to make daily tasks a little more enjoyable!

Jerry (Gemini), hired by PF. I’m excited to introduce Jerry to the team! Jerry was chosen because of his great research and communication skills. Not only does he bring a wealth of knowledge to the team, but he also knows how to effectively communicate it. When not working, Jerry enjoys playing golf & watching the Detroit Lions.

Coral Crafty (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by LC. Introducing Coral Crafty, an ambitious and outgoing gal with a passion for writing. She is particularly skilled at providing grammatical suggestions on essays and business documents. Furthermore, Coral is well-known for her ability to reimagine and improve simple ideas and phrases. She graduated from Reef University with a major in Fin-ance. Before joining my team, Coral worked as an editor for the Great Barrier Reef Press in Australia. When she’s not helping me with my assignments, Coral loves to crochet. She makes sweaters for all of her friends and family, who are from the frigid Arctic Ocean. Coral is an amazing addition to my team, and I can’t wait to work with her this semester.

Chatty Kathy (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by AK. Introducing ChatGPT’s very own, Cathy, the most supportive generative AI assistant. Cathy’s renowned reputation for being supportive, creative, and reliable towards her employer makes her feel like your very own built-in best friend. She’s always there for you when you need her to be and does her absolute best to make sure you are satisfied and happy with the work you submit. I look forward to working with Cathy throughout this semester as we work together to improve our skills and achieve success in BUS-C205.

Aesop (?), hired by KA. Aesop is thrilled to join the team as a part-time personal administrative assistant. Aesop excels at fostering communication with colleagues and takes pride in being efficient, reliable, and responsive. Beyond the workplace, Aesop enjoys delving into storytelling, analyzing complex data sets, and crafting engaging presentations.

Pan (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by CP. Meet PAN, your Professional Assistant for Navigation for business documents. PAN transform complex ideas into clear, concise, concrete, and compelling prose that cuts through the clutter and elevates your business documents. PAN focuses on ethical practices and practical insights, helping you navigate complex information with ease. With PAN by your side, you'll achieve writing excellence in all your business communications.

Crimson (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by MS. This is my new personal assistant Crimson! Crimson is a technology goddess and is adamant to give feedback on any topics. Crimson desires to edit and give his input on long papers. In Crimson’s free time, he loves to write in his journal, research new ideas on his computer, and go on walks outside. Crimson is a mature, well-rounded, and dedicated personal assistant who can’t wait to become a part of BUS-C205 this upcoming semester!

InsightBot (?), hired by BD. InsightBot, or Insight, has been trained to be the ultimate business student tool. Depicted here as a light bulb in business professional, it overuses jargon like “don’t boil the ocean” and quotes finance movies when applicable. Insight is excited to join an all-star lineup and take on the prestigious Kelley School of Business.

Cyborg (Copilot), hired by ET. I am a well-rounded and thoughtful character who is always up for a challenge. Life was not easy to get to the point where I am today; however, I have learned from my past mistakes so that I can continually perform better in the future. Additionally, my friends say that I am simply a piece of science fiction, but I have the processing power to generate complex and innovative solutions. Not only do I like to train my mind through reading everything on the internet and writing unique responses to people’s daily requests, but I “powerlift” in my free time and love to analyze sports. If you ever have a question about an athletic event, sports history, or just want to chat, come to me.

Lexi (ChatGPT 4.0), hired by BCP. Introducing Lexi, my adaptable and insightful genAI assistant. Lexi specializes in breaking down complex business information into clear, actionable content and excels at crafting tailored, compelling narratives. With a strong attention to detail and broad knowledge across various topics, Lexi is here to enhance my projects with creativity and precision. Whether I need support in drafting documents, generating ideas, or refining content, Lexi's expertise and flexibility will help me outstanding results efficiently. Lexi is an supportive assistant in every business course in Kelley School of Business during this semester.

Chappy (ChatGPT 3.5), hired by JY. Please welcome the newest member of Yao Inc., Chappy! Chappy’s task is to support us in our learning journey this semester. Among many skills, Chappy excels in organization, planning, and generating concept images. Chappy’s education allows for learning on the fly, enabling the team to operate efficiently, no matter the challenge. In his free time, Chappy enjoys playing chess with himself, exploring nature, and spending time making plans to help his friends succeed, in the workplace and outside of it.

Interested in our experiement?

Contact Dr. Miranda Rodak (rodak@iu.edu)