The Human Side of AI

A new management course at the C. T. Bauer College of Business that launched in Spring 2026 teaches students how to responsibly use artificial intelligence to design smarter, more adaptive learning systems while maintaining the critical role of human judgement, leadership and communication.  

Professor of Practice Cate Wengelnik, who led the course Training and Development with AI (MANA 4397), said she aimed to bridge classroom knowledge and application for students through simulations and hands-on experiential learning, ultimately giving them an edge in the job market.  

"My goal is to help students think critically about how AI can support learning and development initiatives while recognizing that technology is most effective when guided by thoughtful leadership and sound decision making," Wengelnik said. 

Throughout the semester, students learned ways organizations can use these emerging technologies to strengthen training modules and support employee growth. They learned the theoretical uses, while at the same time putting them into practice, creating an immersive experience from start to finish, Wengelnik said. 

Part of that practice involved students developing training programs and working on various digital assets that would be used by a real organization — the college’s Department of Management & Leadership.  

“Teaching AI is critical to the success of the students as they go into the workforce,” Department Chair Steve Werner said. “It’s a powerful tool, but being able to make the right judgement call is even more important. That’s what we’re really trying to emphasize with this class and others.” 

A signature component of the course was a semester long team project. Students used different language learning models (LLMs) to create a multimedia story for an AI-generated song with the department as the client.  

They held a class competition to vote on the video that best used the tools at their disposal. (See the winning student video here.) 

The project challenged students to develop a creative strategy, experiment with AI-generated editing tools and manage the production process from concept to presentation, Wengelnik said. Along the way, students strengthened skills in project management, communication, teamwork, storytelling and problem solving, she added.  

"I am incredibly proud of the creativity, adaptability and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout this course," Wengelnik said. "They are learning not only how to use AI tools, but how to apply innovation thoughtfully in ways that support leadership, collaboration and organizational excellence." 

This fall, Wengelnik will teach a similar course, Business Communication with AI. It will focus on how professionals can communicate effectively and responsibly in an AI integrated business environment and will provide students with additional opportunities to strengthen their workplace readiness. 

"I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and collaboration of Department Chair Steve Werner," Wengelnik said. "His encouragement has been instrumental in the development of two undergraduate AI courses and one graduate AI course within the Department of Management and Leadership."