9 answers
Percy Ordonez
0
Answers
Miami, Florida
Asked
2494 views
How can I stay relevant as a digital design educator in this AI era and help my students to be ready to get a Job in the new fast AI world?
How can I stay relevant as a digital design educator in this AI era and help my students to be ready to get a Job in the new fast AI world.
Job search have change a lot since AI came into our daily lives. My adult students are struggling getting a job when they finished the vocational digital design career.
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9 answers
Andria Jackson
Art Education
11
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Andria’s Answer
This is a great question that I've seen discussed a lot lately. My advice is for you as an educator to ensure that your students are focusing on the elements of their skill set that emphasize their skill set and uniqueness. Have them develop styles that can't be mimicked by A.I. For example, there are many A.I. generators that can produce basic anime or comic looking imagery. You want to make sure your students are building up their own design style and brand early on.
For your students, especially early graduates, I recommend not reaching for huge companies right off the bat, since those are the ones more likely to be able to afford using A.I. to replace designers should they choose to. I'd have them try our smaller roles in local areas or even focusing on Indie spaces early on to build their name and portfolio up.
Hope this is beneficial for you!
For your students, especially early graduates, I recommend not reaching for huge companies right off the bat, since those are the ones more likely to be able to afford using A.I. to replace designers should they choose to. I'd have them try our smaller roles in local areas or even focusing on Indie spaces early on to build their name and portfolio up.
Hope this is beneficial for you!
Thank you for the advice, Andria.
Percy Ordonez
Courtney Larmour
3
Answers
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Percy - I'd recommend looking into opportunities where you can integrate the use of AI technology into your curriculum. While AI continues to transform the way we work, the best thing we can do is learn how to leverage it to improve our skillsets and delivery. The human aspect is still a critical component to reviewing AI outputs and understanding the components behind why a design is being delivered, think empathy, compassion, and understanding, all things that AI is not able to do.
Rui Ferreira
Software Products leader
5
Answers
Webster, New York
Updated
Rui’s Answer
Hi Percy, things are changing fast, and what we know becomes outdated quickly, especially in digital fields. To keep up, it's important to learn new things all the time.
Besides using books and classes, try focusing on shared learning. Use platforms like Substack to share your learning experiences. Instead of acting like an expert, talk about what you're exploring now, like new tools or design ideas, and even what didn't work. This makes you seem genuine and like a fellow learner.
You can also try interactive "learning challenges" instead of just giving static lessons. Create short tasks or mini-courses in newsletters that encourage people to get involved. They can send in their work, and you can give feedback in future posts. This turns your audience into an active learning group, not just listeners. These methods help deepen understanding and curiosity, and they connect people meaningfully without needing social media.
Besides using books and classes, try focusing on shared learning. Use platforms like Substack to share your learning experiences. Instead of acting like an expert, talk about what you're exploring now, like new tools or design ideas, and even what didn't work. This makes you seem genuine and like a fellow learner.
You can also try interactive "learning challenges" instead of just giving static lessons. Create short tasks or mini-courses in newsletters that encourage people to get involved. They can send in their work, and you can give feedback in future posts. This turns your audience into an active learning group, not just listeners. These methods help deepen understanding and curiosity, and they connect people meaningfully without needing social media.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Percy !
After your students complete the Digital Design Program that you teach, it's not necessarily on you as to why students are not getting hired. Obtaining work depends on a lot more than that and depends mostly on how the applicant presents themself. Also, if it is from a Vocational School as you've mentioned, applicants that have a Bachelors Degree from a University and a collection of their work may be in the forefront of students with a vocational school background. It's not your fault, I am sure you are an enthusiastic and good teacher.
Are students coming back to you and telling you that they were told they didn't get a job because they didn't have AI qualifications ? Unless that is the case, you really can't tell why someone is not obtaining employment. See if your Director is looking into incorporating any type of Artificial Intelligence into existing courses you teach or adding full AI courses at your school. Also seek out training for AI for your profession to start to become familiar with how it is utilized in digital design. Network with appropriate companies and find out if they require the use of AI from their employees and if they do on the job training for AI or if the applicant needs to know it already.
If your students are visiting you with this issue, suggest that they freelance, open their own digital design service. Explain to them that this will take a great deal of public relations and networking, even having a website to link to prospective clients so clients can know about their services.
This is a good question to clarify with your Director at the next staff meeting.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
After your students complete the Digital Design Program that you teach, it's not necessarily on you as to why students are not getting hired. Obtaining work depends on a lot more than that and depends mostly on how the applicant presents themself. Also, if it is from a Vocational School as you've mentioned, applicants that have a Bachelors Degree from a University and a collection of their work may be in the forefront of students with a vocational school background. It's not your fault, I am sure you are an enthusiastic and good teacher.
Are students coming back to you and telling you that they were told they didn't get a job because they didn't have AI qualifications ? Unless that is the case, you really can't tell why someone is not obtaining employment. See if your Director is looking into incorporating any type of Artificial Intelligence into existing courses you teach or adding full AI courses at your school. Also seek out training for AI for your profession to start to become familiar with how it is utilized in digital design. Network with appropriate companies and find out if they require the use of AI from their employees and if they do on the job training for AI or if the applicant needs to know it already.
If your students are visiting you with this issue, suggest that they freelance, open their own digital design service. Explain to them that this will take a great deal of public relations and networking, even having a website to link to prospective clients so clients can know about their services.
This is a good question to clarify with your Director at the next staff meeting.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Percy Ordonez
You are very welcome, Percy !
Michelle M.
David Allen
Consultant
84
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
To stay relevant as a digital design educator in the AI era, you need to consistently evolve your own knowledge and skills. This includes becoming proficient in emerging AI tools that are changing how designers work—like Figma’s AI features, DALL·E, Midjourney, and UI/UX-specific platforms such as Uizard or Galileo AI. Beyond mastering tools, it's critical to understand broader concepts like prompt engineering, generative design, and the principles of human-AI interaction. Staying connected to industry developments through blogs, thought leaders, and hands-on experimentation will help you lead with authority and insight.
In the classroom, shift your teaching approach to integrate AI alongside traditional design fundamentals. Build assignments where students explore both manual and AI-assisted workflows to understand the value of each. Encourage ethical discussions about the role of AI in authorship, bias, and automation. Use real-world scenarios and briefs to challenge students to collaborate with AI tools rather than fear them, highlighting where human creativity, context, and strategy are still irreplaceable. Consider designing portfolio-focused modules that emphasize not just polished visuals but the thinking and tools behind the process.
Finally, focus on equipping your students for the fast-changing job market. Teach them how to build portfolios that reflect fluency with AI tools and workflows, while also demonstrating strong communication, storytelling, and user-centered design skills. Emphasize the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration—traits that remain valuable regardless of how tools evolve. Connect them with industry through mentorships, AI-focused internships, and guest lectures from professionals navigating AI in the workplace. This holistic preparation ensures they graduate not just job-ready, but future-ready.
In the classroom, shift your teaching approach to integrate AI alongside traditional design fundamentals. Build assignments where students explore both manual and AI-assisted workflows to understand the value of each. Encourage ethical discussions about the role of AI in authorship, bias, and automation. Use real-world scenarios and briefs to challenge students to collaborate with AI tools rather than fear them, highlighting where human creativity, context, and strategy are still irreplaceable. Consider designing portfolio-focused modules that emphasize not just polished visuals but the thinking and tools behind the process.
Finally, focus on equipping your students for the fast-changing job market. Teach them how to build portfolios that reflect fluency with AI tools and workflows, while also demonstrating strong communication, storytelling, and user-centered design skills. Emphasize the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration—traits that remain valuable regardless of how tools evolve. Connect them with industry through mentorships, AI-focused internships, and guest lectures from professionals navigating AI in the workplace. This holistic preparation ensures they graduate not just job-ready, but future-ready.
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
43
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hey Percy, great question!!
As you mentioned, AI has totally changed how we live, but to stay ahead of what’s happening, it’s super important to stay connected through forums, newspapers, and research on global challenges. Here’s the key: what are the current companies doing to tackle or ease these issues? We at CISCO are really focused on Security and Cloud, which means we’re connecting our entire portfolio around those two main pillars. So, connect with the industry—it's not complicated! The real challenge is seeing what big companies and entrepreneurs are doing to address these global challenges. With the expertise of your adult students, they'll be well connected thanks to their life experiences. So, to sum it up, connect with the global challenges and see what the IT industry is doing to move forward. Trust me, we’ve got a lot to do!
As you mentioned, AI has totally changed how we live, but to stay ahead of what’s happening, it’s super important to stay connected through forums, newspapers, and research on global challenges. Here’s the key: what are the current companies doing to tackle or ease these issues? We at CISCO are really focused on Security and Cloud, which means we’re connecting our entire portfolio around those two main pillars. So, connect with the industry—it's not complicated! The real challenge is seeing what big companies and entrepreneurs are doing to address these global challenges. With the expertise of your adult students, they'll be well connected thanks to their life experiences. So, to sum it up, connect with the global challenges and see what the IT industry is doing to move forward. Trust me, we’ve got a lot to do!
Laura Smith, SPHR
4
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Laura’s Answer
To stay relevant, focus on integrating AI into your teaching, emphasize human-centered and business skills as AI not only needs to be integrated into our work tasks, but also how you work with AI as a teammate. Grow and maintain strong industry connections. Prepare students to be adaptable, creative, and business-savvy—qualities that will remain valuable regardless of technological change.
Velu Alagianambi
Engineering Manager
7
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Velu’s Answer
I understand, Percy—things are changing quickly, and your role is crucial. Here's how you can stay on top and help students excel:
Learn and Stay Informed (20%)
- Follow key influencers in AI and design like Maggie Appleton, Pablo Stanley, and Maggie Wang.
- Subscribe to newsletters such as Dense Discovery, TLDR, or The Rundown.
- Discover how tools like Figma AI, Midjourney, Framer, and Runway are influencing workflows.
Observe Others (10%)
- See how agencies and startups use AI in their design processes.
- Examine case studies or redesigns that incorporate AI in creative decisions.
- Invite guest speakers who are experts in AI-driven design roles.
Take Action (70%)
- Conduct live projects where students use AI tools to create, test, and improve their work.
- Teach students to critique AI outputs, refine prompts, and add personal touches.
- Simulate real-world projects like landing pages, brand kits, user flows, and pitch decks.
- Encourage students to build a portfolio that highlights their AI skills and results.
- Learn alongside your class—experiment with new tools, make mistakes, and share your findings.
Learn and Stay Informed (20%)
- Follow key influencers in AI and design like Maggie Appleton, Pablo Stanley, and Maggie Wang.
- Subscribe to newsletters such as Dense Discovery, TLDR, or The Rundown.
- Discover how tools like Figma AI, Midjourney, Framer, and Runway are influencing workflows.
Observe Others (10%)
- See how agencies and startups use AI in their design processes.
- Examine case studies or redesigns that incorporate AI in creative decisions.
- Invite guest speakers who are experts in AI-driven design roles.
Take Action (70%)
- Conduct live projects where students use AI tools to create, test, and improve their work.
- Teach students to critique AI outputs, refine prompts, and add personal touches.
- Simulate real-world projects like landing pages, brand kits, user flows, and pitch decks.
- Encourage students to build a portfolio that highlights their AI skills and results.
- Learn alongside your class—experiment with new tools, make mistakes, and share your findings.
Velu Alagianambi
Engineering Manager
7
Answers
Milpitas, California
Updated
Velu’s Answer
totally get it — things are moving fast, and your role is more important than ever.
Here’s how you can stay sharp *and* help students stand out:
**🎓 update what you teach**
* mix in **AI design tools** like Figma AI, Midjourney, Runway, and Framer
* teach them how to **prompt well**, critique AI outputs, and layer human creativity on top
* add modules on **AI ethics, bias, and responsibility in design**
**💼 focus on job-readiness**
* shift toward **portfolio-first learning** — fewer lectures, more real projects
* have students **simulate client work** or redesign real products
* give them a chance to **present, pitch, and get feedback** — those soft skills matter more than ever
**🚀 teach adaptability, not just tools**
* tools will change, but the mindset of **rapid learning + experimentation** is a superpower
* make space for trying new AI tools, even if they break or feel rough
**🤝 connect them to the real world**
* invite **designers using AI in the industry** for guest sessions
* partner with local businesses or nonprofits to do **mini design sprints**
* show them how to **find freelance gigs** or build an online presence
**🧠 stay sharp yourself**
* follow voices in **AI x design** (e.g. Maggie Appleton, Dan Mall, Pablo Stanley)
* experiment with new tools alongside your students — co-learn and share
* join design + AI communities (Discord, Substack, Twitter/X)
Here’s how you can stay sharp *and* help students stand out:
**🎓 update what you teach**
* mix in **AI design tools** like Figma AI, Midjourney, Runway, and Framer
* teach them how to **prompt well**, critique AI outputs, and layer human creativity on top
* add modules on **AI ethics, bias, and responsibility in design**
**💼 focus on job-readiness**
* shift toward **portfolio-first learning** — fewer lectures, more real projects
* have students **simulate client work** or redesign real products
* give them a chance to **present, pitch, and get feedback** — those soft skills matter more than ever
**🚀 teach adaptability, not just tools**
* tools will change, but the mindset of **rapid learning + experimentation** is a superpower
* make space for trying new AI tools, even if they break or feel rough
**🤝 connect them to the real world**
* invite **designers using AI in the industry** for guest sessions
* partner with local businesses or nonprofits to do **mini design sprints**
* show them how to **find freelance gigs** or build an online presence
**🧠 stay sharp yourself**
* follow voices in **AI x design** (e.g. Maggie Appleton, Dan Mall, Pablo Stanley)
* experiment with new tools alongside your students — co-learn and share
* join design + AI communities (Discord, Substack, Twitter/X)