Presented By: Michael Mashtare, Pennsylvania State University
Co-Authors: Emma Steely, Pennsylvania State University

Higher-education is undergoing a transformative shift as educators explore the use of innovative technologies to enhance traditional pedagogical approaches. Here we explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (e.g., ChatGPT) and technology-enhanced methodologies in an undergraduate technical communications course for agricultural sciences and biological engineering students taught in fall 2023. In this course, students used AI to draft and edit resumes, cover letters, responses to in-class prompts, and sections of a technical research report. Students were tasked with other technology-driven components, including video presentations and Zoom mock-interviews. End-of-semester anonymous surveys used a 6-point Likert scale and open-ended questions to assess student perceptions on the effectiveness of these approaches. Numerical values (0 - 5) were assigned to the Likert scale responses (e.g., strongly disagree = 0, strongly agree = 5) and mean responses (MR) reported to show strength of response. Mean responses >2.5 suggest agreement, while < 2.5 suggest disagreement. Of those responding (n = 27, 96.4%), 70% never used AI, 50% never participated in a mock interview, and 26% never created a pre-recorded video prior to the course. Asked about their experience with AI, students reported it was useful in drafting documents (89% agree, MR = 3.74), editing documents (93% agree, MR = 4.11) and resumes (89% agree, MR = 3.69), improving their cover letter (96% agree, MR = 4.11), and said to continue teaching it in the course (96%, MR = 4.15). Students found the mock interviews helpful in preparing for the career fair (96%, MR = 3.92) and in their job search (96%, MR = 4.04). Only a slight majority of the students preferred pre-recorded presentations (54%, MR = 2.73), however students acknowledged the utility (81.5%, MR = 3.42). These results underscore the perceived utility of AI integration and technology-enhanced pedagogies in an undergraduate communications course.