DCI 691 (Spring 2025)
Human Creativity x AI in Education: A Transdisciplinary Exploration by Design
Instructor Dr. Punya Mishra (punya[AT]asu.edu)
Mondays 9 – 11:45 Tempe

Short description

This graduate-level course examines the dynamic interplay between human creativity and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), exploring how these technologies can shape and transform creative practice through a framework of transdisciplinary cognitive skills. Through hands-on design projects and critical discussions, students will experiment with state-of-the-art AI tools as creative collaborators, developing solutions that thoughtfully integrate AI into creative teaching and learning.

Extended description

This graduate-level course examines the dynamic interplay between human creativity and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), exploring how these technologies can shape and transform creative practice. Drawing on the framework of seven transdisciplinary cognitive skills (perceiving, patterning, abstracting, embodied thinking, modeling, play, and synthesis), we will explore the complex relationship of human creativity with generative AI systems through an iterative design process of problem-seeking and solving. Key areas of inquiry include:

• The cognitive processes underlying creativity, examined through diverse exemplars such as Barbara McClintock’s revolutionary genetic discoveries through embodied thinking, Stravinsky’s multi-sensory musical compositions, Richard Feynman’s playful approach to physics, and Pablo Picasso’s abstract transformations in art
• Critical examination of the “true nature” of Generative AI (specifically its generative, dialogic, multi-modal capabilities) and how those can serve as potential catalysts for creative thinking and design
• The complementary strengths and limitations of human and AI creativity, with particular focus on pattern recognition, metaphorical thinking, and knowledge synthesis in the design process
• The instantiation of these ideas through designed artifacts that meaningfully integrate AI and human creativity in educational contexts

Through hands-on design projects, students will experiment with state-of-the-art AI tools as creative collaborators while developing pedagogical approaches that thoughtfully integrate AI into creative teaching and learning. The course combines theoretical exploration with practical application through creative experiments, critical discussions, and collaborative design projects that result in tangible artifacts.

No prior technical expertise is required, but a willingness to experiment and engage critically with both creative processes and new technologies is essential.

About Punya Mishra

Punya Mishra juggles being a learning engineer, professor, researcher, author, artist, and designer at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He is interested in life, the universe, and everything; and loves shoehorning Douglas Adams’ book titles into his bio statement. You can find him at punyamishra.com