From Wringer Washers to Teaching with AI

Enda Soostar likens her AI journey to a household transformation from wringer washer to modern washing machine. The task—laundering clothes—didn’t change, but the process became faster, easier, and less physically taxing. For Soostar, AI is doing something similar for teaching: it’s not changing the goal of student learning, but it’s revolutionizing the path to get there.

“I am old enough to remember my mother using a wringer washer to launder our clothes. Then a miracle happened—we got a modern washing machine. The task didn’t change - the input is dirty clothes, and the output is clean clothes - but the process became faster and easier.” 

- Enda Soostar

Once a self-described “AI resister,” Soostar is now experimenting with tools like ChatGPT and Napkin.ai to improve student engagement, redesign assignments, and reclaim precious hours of preparation time—all while sparking critical conversations about ethics and the future of work.

This moment of transformation mirrors her journey as an educator adapting to AI. The goal—engaging students and teaching meaningful content—hasn’t changed. But the tools and time-saving processes? Those are evolving fast.

Innovating Pedagogy with GenAI Tools

Enda’s classroom innovation began with tools like Napkin.ai, which she now uses to quickly generate visuals that encapsulate complex ideas. 

What used to take 4–6 hours preparing in PowerPoint is now reduced to minutes. “Instead of explaining a cumbersome slide, I’m actually focused on looking at the students—encouraging focus, not just presenting content.” 

If you'd like to learn more about this tool, watch Get professional visuals in minutes not hours with Napkin AI - YouTube (8:10) below.

This subtle yet powerful shift has helped her re-center attention on her students during class. Similarly, she uses ChatGPT to complement her teaching prep and integrate AI thinking directly into her course assessments.

Redesigning Assessment for an AI-Era

In her Current Issues in Human Resources course, Enda has created a standout assignment on AI ethics in the HR profession. Students first write 500 words in their own voice on the topic, then generate a version using ChatGPT, and finally reflect on the similarities, differences, and implications of each approach.

This tri-part structure:

• Encourages students to think critically about AI’s capabilities and limitations,
• Brings ethical reflection to the forefront, and
• Builds practical digital literacy that aligns with the future of HR work.

Increasing Student Engagement with Purposeful Design

By reducing the time she spends on slide preparation, Enda has created more space for direct connection during class.

“AI doesn’t replace your teaching—it refocuses it. Like moving from scrubbing clothes by hand to using a washing machine: the job's the same, but your energy is better spent elsewhere.”

This mindset has helped her increase student focus and reallocate her teaching energy toward discussion and classroom engagement activities, rather than PowerPoint notes.

“I needed help from other academics and post-secondary thinkers to show me how I could use AI in a positive way. By taking time to think and play with just one or two AI tools helped to reduce the resistance and increase acceptance for my own teaching practice. I don’t want to spend my teaching time buried in the negative. I want to focus on how I can model and engage with students in a positive way.”

- Enda Soostar
 

From Resistance to Reflection: Lessons Learned

Enda admits she began as an AI skeptic. Her initial thoughts were focused on student misuse - plagiarism, dishonesty, and academic integrity concerns. But over time, she’s shifted from suspicion to strategy. 

By embracing transparency, adapting assignments, and creating space for ethical discussion, she’s showing students that AI doesn’t have to undermine learning—it can deepen it when used responsibly.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Educators, Engaging Learners

Enda’s experience is a reminder that AI in education isn’t about flashy technology—it’s about thoughtful integration. By adopting time-saving tools and reimagining assignments, she’s modeling a path forward that many faculty may find relatable and inspiring.

For Enda, the AI era isn't about replacement—it's about refocusing on what matters most: student engagement, ethical awareness, and meaningful teaching.

Written by: Enda Soostar, Kelly Fox, Amy Goruk and Ashley Priest. Inspiration provided by Co-Pilot and ChatGPT.

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📧 Contact us at ctl@georgiancollege.ca to get started.
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