The AI@UW Launch offered a day of workshops, a panel, and a keynote examining the role of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. More than 200 faculty and staff gathered on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to navigate how educators can empower students and strengthen critical thinking in a time where AI increasingly plays a role in academics and the future of work.
The day began with a keynote from José Antonio Bowen, author of Teaching with AI. Bowen discussed emergent applications of AI across a variety of domains and public discourse surrounding the expansion of AI in society. He then discussed case studies of classroom assignments that use artificial intelligence to bolster students’ learning experiences and prepare them for the workforce. Additionally, lesser-known AI tools that run on renewable energy and are designed to assist neurodivergent students were introduced. Bowen’s keynote address was recorded and can be accessed on YouTube.
“What struck me throughout the day was the depth and seriousness of our faculty’s engagement with these tools, not as shortcuts, but as new degrees of freedom in how we teach,” said Noah Smith, UW vice provost for Artificial Intelligence. “I was impressed by how critically people are thinking about when AI can expand students’ pathways to understanding. The evolving UW approach to AI in learning offers more ways for students to practice, receive feedback, build confidence, and demonstrate learning, while still centering equity, accessibility and academic integrity.”
In the afternoon, participants engaged in small group sessions organized by faculty members Marine Denolle , Ben Lee, Ian Schnee and Steve Tanimoto, where they had conversations such as how to design courses with AI with equity, accessibility, and faculty support in mind. Some groups explored redesigning assessments to prioritize academic integrity and fairness amid growing AI use.
The day also included a panel discussion on how artificial intelligence is shaping teaching and learning at the University of Washington, with faculty panelists Leonard Boussioux, Emanuela Furfaro, Akshay Mehra, Calvin Pollak and Center for Teaching and Learning director Penelope Moon moderating.
Want to get involved? AI@UW’s internal Advisory Committee includes UW faculty members, administrators and staff with relevant expertise and perspectives. Self-nominations are welcome, as well as nominations of others. Applications are accepted via AI@UW’s online submission form on a rolling basis.