Redesigning Capstone Projects for AI-Rich Learning: Balancing Authenticity, Process, and Integrity
Exploring process-focused, authentic capstone project strategies that integrate AI while maintaining integrity, reflection, and higher-order learning in Doctor of Occupational Therapy education.
Presented by:
Rebekah Pogwizd, Augustana University
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Transcript:
Key Words:
AI in Education, Capstone Project, Academic Integrity
Abstract:
AI is increasingly influencing higher education, reshaping how students engage with learning and complete capstone projects. This session explores strategies for redesigning assessment to emphasize authenticity, process, and ethical engagement in AI-rich environments. Participants will learn practical approaches such as process-focused milestones, reflective activities, and integration of emerging technologies to support meaningful learning. Evidence-based frameworks guide the redesign of capstone and project-based assessments, highlighting ways to maintain academic integrity, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for professional practice.
Outcomes:
1. Identify key challenges of using AI in capstone assessments.
2. Describe practical strategies to support authenticity, process, and integrity in AI-rich learning.
3. Recognize ways to integrate ethical AI engagement into capstone or project-based assessments.
References:
Peters, M., & Angelov, D. (2025). Redefining assessment tasks to promote students’ creativity and integrity in the age of generative artificial intelligence. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 21(1), Article 25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-025-00201-x
Kickbusch, S., Ashford-Rowe, K., Kemp, A., Boreland, J., & Huijser, H. (2025). Beyond detection: Redesigning authentic assessment in an AI-mediated world. Education Sciences, 15(11), 1537. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111537
Kadel, R., Shailendra, S., & Saxena, U. R. (2025). Navigating the new landscape: A conceptual model for project-based assessment in the age of GenAI. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.11709