Building Tomorrow’s Workplace Today: COM 333 Students Leading Ethical AI Integration for the Future of Work

Imagine a world where doctors collaborate with AI to diagnose illnesses faster, lawyers rely on AI to analyze complex case law, and educators use intelligent software to personalize learning. In COM 333: The Future of Work course at the University of Portland, students aren’t just talking about these possibilities—they’re designing them. 

This Fall 2024 interdisciplinary course brought together students from diverse fields, including Communication, Computer Science, Nursing, Psychology, Business, and English. Guided by the project Re-Designing Work, these students explored how humans and AI can ethically and collaboratively reshape workplaces in industries such as Law, Tech, Education, Business and Marketing, and Healthcare. 

In the classroom, students used theoretical models to identify opportunities where AI could enhance human work. From there, they envisioned AI not as a replacement for workers but as a co-worker, assistant, tutor, or creative partner tailored to meet specific industry needs. The course didn’t stop at theory, however. Students became analysts and innovators, conducting in-depth research on workplace patterns and routines. By interviewing professionals, shadowing experts, and analyzing cutting-edge research, they developed a comprehensive understanding of today’s work landscape. 

At the heart of the project was a focus on ethics. Students recognized that AI is not just a tool—it’s a force shaping workplace dynamics and culture. Each team developed ethical principles for AI integration, crafting strategies that position AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. These principles were designed to ensure that AI supports humanity responsibly and effectively, fostering innovation without compromising human values. The culmination of the project was a professional presentation. Students pitched their research-backed ideas to an audience that could include real industry stakeholders. Each team also created a pamphlet summarizing their findings as well as including ethical guidelines and best practices for integrating AI in their chosen field. These deliverables provided practical insights for industry leaders while showcasing the students’ ability to tackle complex, real-world challenges. 

This project highlights the transformational potential of the COM 333 course. It equips students with more than academic knowledge—they gain hands-on experience, professional connections, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for the challenges of the modern workforce. By working with AI as a collaborative partner, students learned to navigate the balance between innovation and ethics, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than the other way around.