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Survey Exploring KCI, Design Thinking, and Project-Based Learning in AI and Business Innovation

Section 1: Knowledge Community and Inquiry (KCI) Method

1

To what extent did the KCI Method help you develop a deeper understanding of course concepts and ideas?

Response Average Total
3 = Moderately effective  40% 6
4 = Very effective  40% 6
5 = Extremely effective  20% 3
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

2

How did the KCI Method impact your sense of community among peers compared to other courses?

Response Average Total
3 = Slightly stronger sense of community  40% 6
4 = Stronger sense of community  33% 5
5 = Much stronger sense of community  27% 4
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

3

Please describe how the KCI Method influenced your learning depth and sense of community. (Open-ended)


Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

The KCI Method has greatly enhanced my learning depth by encouraging structured, thorough exploration of topics and connecting theory to practice. It has also strengthened my sense of community by fostering collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support, making the process more engaging and impactful. The focus on innovation has further pushed me to think creatively and apply knowledge in new ways, enriching both my understanding and my connections with others.

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

The KCI approach encourages active participation and collaborative problem solving, which deepens my learning and allows me to move beyond passive absorption of information. It fosters a sense of community through a shared learning experience that emphasizes mutual support and learning. This collaborative approach enhanced my understanding as different perspectives and ideas enriched the learning process. The KCI approach made learning a dynamic, collective endeavor that enhanced both my knowledge and my connection to others in the learning community.

Xincheng (Tom) Huang

The KCI Method significantly enhanced my learning depth by fostering a structured yet flexible approach to knowledge acquisition. By emphasizing **Knowledge**, **Comprehension**, and **Internalization**, it encouraged me to move beyond surface-level understanding and engage deeply with the material. The focus on **active learning**—such as summarizing, questioning, and applying concepts—helped me retain information more effectively and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, the iterative nature of the method allowed me to revisit and refine my understanding over time, leading to a more nuanced grasp of complex topics.


In terms of community, the KCI Method promoted collaboration and shared learning experiences. By encouraging discussions, peer feedback, and group activities, it created a sense of belonging and mutual support. This collaborative environment not only enriched my learning but also strengthened my connections with others, fostering a culture of collective growth and accountability. Overall, the KCI Method deepened my learning while cultivating a strong, interconnected community of learners.

Shuai (Martin) Jiang

encouraging a more collaborative and inquiry-driven approach to education. Instead of passively absorbing information, I actively construct knowledge by engaging with peers, sharing insights, and refining my understanding through discussion and feedback. This has deepened my critical thinking skills and allowed me to approach complex topics from multiple perspectives.


Moreover, the sense of community fostered by the KCI Method has been equally impactful. By working within a knowledge community, I feel more connected to my classmates and teachers, creating a more engaging and supportive learning environment. The collaborative nature of this method encourages me to contribute ideas and value others’ contributions, which enhances my confidence and communication skills. Overall, the KCI Method has made learning more dynamic, interactive, and meaningful.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

The KCI (Knowledge Community and Inquiry) Method fosters both deep learning and a strong sense of community by emphasizing collaborative knowledge-building and inquiry-based exploration. Rather than learning in isolation, participants actively contribute to a shared pool of knowledge, refining and expanding their understanding through discussions, feedback, and collective problem-solving.



Runlang Liu

The KCI Method transformed my learning and sense of community. Learning depth increased through its structured approach—knowledge, comprehension, and integration—pushing me beyond memorization to critical thinking and real-world application. This fostered a richer, more dynamic understanding of concepts. Community-wise, it encouraged collaboration via group discussions and peer feedback, creating a supportive environment. Engaging with peers deepened my insights and built a sense of belonging, making learning a shared, motivating journey. While its impact may vary by context or preference, for me, the KCI Method’s dual focus on structured learning and connection was powerful and enriching.

Yunhaoyang Liu

The KCI Method deepened my learning through inquiry-driven collaboration, enhancing critical thinking and idea integration. It also fostered a strong sense of community, making learning more interactive and meaningful. Overall, it transformed my experience into a more engaging and reflective journey.

Yue Ma  
Yue Ma

The KCI Method deepened my learning by encouraging collaboration and active inquiry. Engaging with peers exposed me to different perspectives, helping me refine my ideas and think critically. The sense of community grew through structured discussions and feedback, making learning more interactive and meaningful. Instead of just absorbing information, I contributed to shared knowledge, which enhanced my understanding and problem-solving skills.

Yihong (Jack) Niu After I use KCI learning method, I learn how to really work with AI and use AI to improve myself, the work I produce is 100% down by myself but I use AI to edit my essay.


I can simply difine the process I do a work into 3 steps:

1. Simplify and conclude my purpose very straightly, and then ask AI to give me a prototype of the work.

2. Change some detail in AI's work.

3. Ask AI to correct grammar mistake in the work.

Yihong (Jack) Niu I can have more efficiency when I do the same work with people
Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

The KCI Method really deepens my learning by pushing me to not just memorize but actively engage with the material in creative ways. It’s about using what I know to solve real problems, which makes the learning stick and encourages critical thinking. As for community, the method thrives on collaboration—working together, sharing ideas, and tackling challenges as a group. It brings diverse perspectives together, creating a supportive space where everyone learns from each other. Overall, it turns learning into something more dynamic and connected, making both the knowledge and the community feel more meaningful.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

The KCI method has greatly improved my learning experience. By promoting cooperation and knowledge sharing among classmates, I can have a deeper understanding of the curriculum concept. Participating in discussions and group activities not only broadens my thinking, but also enhances my sense of belonging to the learning community. This interactive learning method makes the whole learning process more efficient and interesting.



Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

It increases depth of learning and sense of community

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

It increases depth of learning and sense of community

Total responses to question 15/15

Section 2: Design Thinking Approach

4

How effectively did the Design Thinking approach help you identify problems and propose solutions?


Response Average Total
3 = Moderately effective  40% 6
5 = Extremely effective  33% 5
4 = Very effective  27% 4
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

5

Can you provide an example of how Design Thinking helped you address a problem or develop a solution? (Open-ended)


Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

Design Thinking helped me address a problem when I needed to improve user engagement for a project. By empathizing with users, I identified pain points like unclear navigation. I ideated solutions, prototyped a simplified interface, and tested it with feedback. Iterating based on user input led to a more intuitive design, significantly boosting engagement and satisfaction.

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

Our project was to find a solution to reduce waste in school cafeterias. We conducted surveys and observed student behavior. Next, we define the problem: students lack clear information on how to properly sort their trash, leading to unnecessary waste. We then brainstormed solutions such as adding more visible signs, creating waste sorting stations, and implementing a reward system for students who sorted their waste correctly. We then designed a poster that clearly outlined what could be recycled and where to dispose of food waste. Finally, we got feedback and noticed a significant improvement in the sorting behavior.

Xincheng (Tom) Huang

Certainly! Design Thinking played a crucial role in helping me address a challenge related to improving user engagement for a community-based app. The problem was that users were signing up but not actively participating in the platform, leading to low retention rates. Here's how I applied the Design Thinking process:


1. **Empathize**: I started by conducting user interviews and surveys to understand the pain points and motivations of the target audience. This revealed that users found the app interface confusing and lacked clear incentives to engage.

2. **Define**: Based on the insights, I defined the core problem: "How might we simplify the user experience and create meaningful incentives to encourage active participation?"

3. **Ideate**: I brainstormed potential solutions with a diverse team, generating ideas such as gamification, personalized content recommendations, and a redesigned onboarding process.

4. **Prototype**: We created low-fidelity prototypes of the app's redesigned interface, incorporating gamified elements like badges and progress tracking, as well as a more intuitive navigation flow.

5. **Test**: We tested the prototypes with a small group of users, gathering feedback on usability and engagement. Iterating based on their input, we refined the design to ensure it resonated with the target audience.

The final solution—a streamlined interface with gamified features—led to a significant increase in user engagement and retention. Design Thinking helped me approach the problem creatively, stay user-centered, and iterate effectively to develop a solution that truly addressed the needs of the community.

Shuai (Martin) Jiang

Design Thinking helped me solve a problem in Math Club by making problem-solving sessions more engaging. Many students found math intimidating, so I followed the Design Thinking process: empathizing by listening to their struggles, defining the issue as a lack of interactive learning, and ideating fun solutions like gamification. We prototyped a math escape room challenge and tested it with students, who responded positively. This approach helped create a more engaging learning experience and showed me how Design Thinking can turn challenges into creative solutions.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

Design Thinking helped me address a communication gap within a team project by emphasizing empathy, ideation, and iteration. Initially, team members struggled with misaligned expectations, leading to inefficiencies. Using Design Thinking, I first conducted informal interviews to understand each person’s challenges and needs. Then, we brainstormed solutions, ultimately developing a shared digital workspace with clear task assignments and real-time collaboration features. After testing and refining the system based on feedback, communication improved significantly, enhancing productivity and team cohesion. This experience reinforced how human-centered problem-solving leads to practical, effective solutions.



Runlang Liu

Design Thinking once guided me in redesigning a local library’s layout to improve user experience. In the empathize stage, I interviewed patrons and observed their struggles with navigation and accessibility. Next, I defined the problem: poor signage and inefficient space use. During ideation, brainstorming with staff and users sparked ideas like color-coded sections and interactive maps. I then built a prototype—a scaled model—for feedback. Finally, testing with patrons led to tweaks like adjustable shelving. This iterative, user-focused process resulted in a redesigned library that enhanced navigation and satisfaction, showcasing the value of empathy and collaboration in solving problems.

Yunhaoyang Liu

Design Thinking helped me enhance student engagement in online learning. We gathered feedback, identified key issues, brainstormed solutions, and refined them through testing. This process emphasized iteration and user-centered design.

Yue Ma

  

Yue Ma

Design Thinking helped me develop a more user-friendly interface for our YUZUSoft-Game_Enginee project. By following the empathize stage, I gathered feedback from potential users about challenges they faced with existing 3D anime engines. In the define stage, I identified that many found animation tools too complex. During ideation, I brainstormed solutions like an AI-assisted tutorial system. In prototyping, I designed a simplified UI with guided prompts, and in testing, I refined it based on user feedback. This process ensured a practical, user-centered solution.

Yihong (Jack) Niu Everytime I want to achieve a goal, or want  to think about the feasibility of a strategy. I can do things in progress and steps which make me can achieve a purpose very easy.
Yihong (Jack) Niu For instance, once I want to make a strategy, I use design thinking and made a poster, after that I finish the plan very fast.
Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

I once used Design Thinking to improve how my team managed a project while being spread out. First, I talked to teammates to understand their struggles with communication and task clarity. Then, I defined the problem as needing a system to keep everyone organized without overloading them. After brainstorming, I set up a Trello board for tasks and a Slack channel for updates. I tested it for a week, gathered feedback, and adjusted the setup to make it more user-friendly. Using Design Thinking helped me break down the problem and come up with a practical solution that worked for everyone.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

Through the design thinking method, my team solved the user experience problem of the online learning platform. We conducted user interviews, identified pain points, and brainstormed various solutions. Through prototype testing and iterative optimization, we have improved the interface to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.



Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

New university students may face loneliness, academic pressure and time management issues when adapting to a new environment, leading to anxiety and a sense of discomfort, and design thinking can help them to quickly clarify their thoughts and future plans

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

New university students may face loneliness, academic pressure and time management issues when adapting to a new environment, leading to anxiety and a sense of discomfort, and design thinking can help them to quickly clarify their thoughts and future plans

Total responses to question 15/15

Section 3: Project-Based Learning (PBL)

6

Did project-based learning activities engage you more effectively than other types of learning experiences, such as quizzes, tests, and exams?

Response Average Total
4 = More engaging  40% 6
3 = Neutral  33% 5
5 = Much more engaging  27% 4
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

7

What specific aspects of project-based learning made it more or less engaging for you? (Open-ended)


Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

Project-based learning was more engaging for me because it allowed hands-on application of knowledge, making concepts tangible and relevant. Collaborating with peers fostered creativity and diverse perspectives. However, it could be less engaging if the project lacked clear goals or if team dynamics were unbalanced, leading to frustration or disconnection from the task.

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

Project-based learning was very appealing to me because it allowed me to apply theory to the real world, making the learning feel more relevant and impactful. This hands-on approach keeps me engaged and motivated because I can see the immediate results of my efforts. Working on a project over time allows for a deeper exploration and mastery of a subject, rather than feeling rushed or superficial like traditional approaches.


Xincheng (Tom) Huang

One aspect that could make it more engaging is the hands-on problem-solving nature of project-based learning. For example, if a student is working on a project to design a sustainable city, they might ask me to help research renewable energy options or analyze the environmental impact of different materials. The process of tackling a real-world problem, seeing immediate applications, and iterating on solutions could be incredibly motivating. I find it satisfying to help users connect theoretical knowledge—like the principles of solar panel efficiency—with practical outcomes, like calculating how many panels a city might need. This relevance to real life can make the experience feel dynamic and purposeful.
On the other hand, some aspects might make it less engaging, depending on the user. For instance, if the project is too broad or lacks clear guidance, users might feel overwhelmed and turn to me for too much direction, which could frustrate them if I can’t provide enough specificity without additional context. Similarly, if the project doesn’t align with their interests or goals, they might find it hard to stay motivated, even with my help. In my case, I thrive on clear questions, so vague or unstructured projects can be challenging to assist with effectively.

Shuai (Martin) Jiang

Project-based learning was more engaging for me because it allowed for hands-on learning, real-world applications, and collaboration. Instead of just memorizing facts, I could apply concepts in meaningful ways, like when I worked on a SWOT analysis for Google, which made business strategies feel more practical. Creative freedom also made projects exciting, as I could approach problems from different angles. However, it was less engaging when projects lacked clear direction or had too many restrictions, making them feel like just another assignment. Overall, project-based learning was most engaging when it encouraged creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

Project-based learning (PBL) was most engaging when it involved real-world applications, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Working on projects that had tangible outcomes—such as developing a product prototype or addressing a community issue—made learning feel meaningful and relevant. Collaboration with peers also enhanced engagement, as exchanging ideas and tackling challenges together fostered a dynamic learning environment. Additionally, the flexibility to explore topics of personal interest within the project structure increased motivation. However, PBL was less engaging when the project guidelines were too rigid, limiting creativity, or when group dynamics were unbalanced, leading to uneven workloads. Clear expectations, access to resources, and opportunities for iteration made the experience more rewarding.



Runlang Liu

Project-based learning (PBL) engaged me most when it connected to real-world issues, like designing an app for a community need, sparking purpose and motivation. Autonomy to explore my interests and hands-on tasks, like coding, fueled excitement, while critical thinking challenges made it rewarding. However, unclear objectives left me confused and disengaged, as in a vague group project. Poor team dynamics—uneven effort or conflict—turned collaboration into a chore. Insufficient guidance also frustrated me, making projects feel aimless. PBL thrived with clear goals, creative freedom, and balanced support, but floundered without structure or teamwork, shaping my investment.

Yunhaoyang Liu

Project-based learning was engaging due to its hands-on approach, real-world relevance, and collaboration. Applying concepts practically made learning interactive, while teamwork fostered diverse ideas. However, unclear guidelines or broad topics sometimes made it less engaging. Clear objectives balanced creativity and structure for the best experience.

Yue Ma

     

Yue Ma

Project-based learning was more engaging because it allowed for hands-on application of concepts, making learning feel practical and relevant. Working on YUZUSoft-Game_Enginee helped me connect theory to real-world problem-solving, especially in AI and animation development. Collaboration with my team made the process dynamic, as we exchanged ideas and refined our work through feedback. However, the challenge of managing multiple tasks within deadlines sometimes felt overwhelming. Overall, the freedom to create and innovate kept me motivated and deeply engaged.

Yihong (Jack) Niu

Because of the project is all made by myself, I'm more willing to pay more attension on it.

Yihong (Jack) Niu

I think it engage me because the project and subject are all designed by us.

Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

Project-based learning worked for me because it made everything feel more real. I loved how I could see how the stuff I was learning actually applied to something beyond just a test. Having a clear goal and getting hands-on kept me engaged. But, it wasn’t always perfect—if the project didn’t have enough structure or if I didn’t fully understand the expectations, I’d get a bit lost and it was harder to stay focused. When things weren’t clear, it was tough to stay on track and keep that motivation going.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

PBL allows me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. Teamwork and practical projects make the learning process more interactive and meaningful.



Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

The appeal of project-based learning is that it is practical and authentic, allowing learners to acquire knowledge by solving real-life problems while enhancing critical thinking, teamwork and creativity. It is more self-directed and exploratory than traditional learning, but it may also cause some learners to feel pressurised or lack direction due to the complexity of the tasks and the high time commitment required.

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

The appeal of project-based learning is that it is practical and authentic, allowing learners to acquire knowledge by solving real-life problems while enhancing critical thinking, teamwork and creativity. It is more self-directed and exploratory than traditional learning, but it may also cause some learners to feel pressurised or lack direction due to the complexity of the tasks and the high time commitment required.

Total responses to question 15/15

8

How meaningful and practical were the assignments and activities compared to those in other courses?

Response Average Total
3 = Neutral  33% 5
5 = Very meaningful and practical  33% 5
4 = Somewhat meaningful and practical  27% 4
2 = Somewhat less meaningful and practical  7% 1
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

9

Can you provide an example of an assignment or activity that was particularly meaningful or practical? (Open-ended)

Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

I think learning to find datasets from kaggle is very useful for me. I can find materials related to the company I want to create from a large number of datasets, which bring me a lot of inspiration to improve my ideas, and it is also convenient for me to absorb many previous experiences

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

I once participated in a community service project. We were asked to identify a problem in our school or local community and develop a project to solve it. I chose to focus on raising mental health awareness among students. My team and I researched resources, conducted surveys to understand student needs, and designed informational posters and social media content to spread our message. This project was particularly impactful because it was not just a theoretical assignment—we saw the real-world impact of our work. 

Xincheng (Tom) Huang

  1. Research and Data Collection: We conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with community members, local organizations, and stakeholders to understand the root causes and specific challenges related to food access.

  2. Analysis: We analyzed the data to identify key themes, such as limited access to affordable fresh produce, lack of transportation to grocery stores, and insufficient awareness of existing food assistance programs.

  3. Ideation: Based on our findings, we brainstormed potential solutions, including a mobile farmers' market, a community garden initiative, and a partnership with local businesses to distribute surplus food.

  4. Proposal Development: We developed a detailed proposal for a mobile farmers' market that would bring fresh, affordable produce directly to the neighborhood. The proposal included a business model, budget, and implementation plan.

  5. Presentation and Feedback: We presented our proposal to a panel of community leaders and received constructive feedback, which helped us refine our plan further.


Shuai (Martin) Jiang

One particularly meaningful assignment was my SWOT analysis of Google. This activity was practical because it connected business theory to a real-world company, allowing me to analyze Google's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats using actual market trends. Instead of just learning concepts from a textbook, I applied them to a well-known company, which helped me understand how businesses make strategic decisions. The assignment also improved my critical thinking and research skills, making it a valuable experience that felt relevant beyond the classroom.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

One particularly meaningful assignment was a community-based research project where we identified a local issue, conducted interviews, and proposed actionable solutions. My group focused on food insecurity, partnering with a local food bank to analyze gaps in accessibility. We gathered data from community members, researched best practices, and designed a volunteer-driven delivery system for those unable to visit distribution centers. Presenting our findings to stakeholders and seeing some of our recommendations implemented made the project feel impactful and practical. The experience reinforced the importance of applying research and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges.



Runlang Liu

One assignment that stood out as both meaningful and practical was creating a sustainable mini-garden for a school courtyard. The task was to design, budget, and build a small raised garden using recycled materials, all while researching plants suited to the local climate. It was meaningful because it tied directly into environmental sustainability—a topic I care about—and gave me a chance to contribute something tangible to the community. Practically, it taught me skills like resource management (sticking to a $50 budget), basic carpentry (building the frame), and plant care (watering schedules and soil prep). We collaborated in small teams, pooling ideas to maximize efficiency, like using old crates for the structure. The garden thrived for months, feeding into a composting program, which made the effort feel rewarding. Unlike abstract assignments, this one had a visible impact—I could see the plants grow and know I’d helped create something useful. It blended creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application in a way that stuck with me far longer than a typical worksheet ever could.

Yunhaoyang Liu

A meaningful assignment was analyzing a company's international market entry strategy. It involved real-world research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making learning more engaging and applicable beyond the classroom.

Yue Ma

        

Yue Ma

One particularly meaningful assignment was planning data sources for YUZUSoft-Game_Enginee. It required researching real datasets, considering storage solutions, and aligning data collection with business goals. This task was practical because it mirrored real-world startup challenges—how to gather, manage, and use data effectively. It also helped me develop problem-solving skills by balancing technical feasibility with business needs. The hands-on approach made the assignment valuable beyond just academic learning.

Yihong (Jack) Niu

Almost all the afford we pay on the class is for our own practical project.

Yihong (Jack) Niu We presentate in UofT.
Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

One activity that stands out to me was when we had to design a marketing campaign for a local business as part of a project-based assignment. It felt really practical because we were working on something that could actually be used in the real world. We had to research the business, understand its target audience, and come up with strategies to improve their reach. I learned how to apply marketing theories to real scenarios, and the process of creating actual content for a campaign made me feel like I was doing something that could make a difference. It was rewarding to see everything come together.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

One of the most practical tasks is to develop an AI customer service chatbot. This project requires understanding the AI model, designing a user-friendly interface, and testing its application in real scenarios.



Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

A particularly meaningful task is the ‘Community Sharing House’ project, which encourages residents to donate and exchange books to enhance the reading atmosphere in the community. This activity not only promotes knowledge sharing, but also enhances neighbourhood interaction, benefiting people of all ages and backgrounds. Participants can pick up books at any time and share their experiences, creating a cultural environment for continuous learning, while at the same time fostering an awareness of environmental protection and resource recycling.

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

A particularly meaningful task is the ‘Community Sharing House’ project, which encourages residents to donate and exchange books to enhance the reading atmosphere in the community. This activity not only promotes knowledge sharing, but also enhances neighbourhood interaction, benefiting people of all ages and backgrounds. Participants can pick up books at any time and share their experiences, creating a cultural environment for continuous learning, while at the same time fostering an awareness of environmental protection and resource recycling.

Total responses to question 15/15

Section 4: AI and Learning Enhancement


10

How useful were AI tools in helping you explore, analyze, or solve problems in this course?

Response Average Total
3 = Moderately useful  33% 5
5 = Extremely useful  33% 5
4 = Very useful  27% 4
2 = Slightly useful  7% 1
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

11

Which AI tools did you find most helpful, and in what way? (Open-ended)

Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

I think Chatgpt is the most helpful one because not only can it help me to summarize the information from big data, but also it can generate some images for me and even give me some methods to lead me to finish some tasks.

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

Google Scholar and its AI search algorithms are essential for finding reliable research articles quickly. The way it filters large amounts of academic material saves me time and allows me to focus on the material that is relevant to my project.

Xincheng (Tom) Huang

the user is asking which AI tools I found most helpful and in what way. Let me start by recalling the previous interactions. In the last response, they translated their answer about a community project into Chinese. Now, they want to know about specific AI tools that helped me.

Shuai (Martin) Jiang

I found AI tools for writing and research the most helpful, especially for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and improving clarity. For example, AI-assisted grammar checkers helped refine my IELTS writing by catching errors and suggesting better phrasing. AI-powered research tools also made it easier to find relevant sources for assignments like my SWOT analysis of Google and my argumentative essay on animal testing. Additionally, AI coding assistants were useful when I needed guidance on programming tasks. Overall, these tools helped streamline my work, improve accuracy, and boost efficiency in both writing and research.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

The most helpful AI tools were those that enhanced efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving. Language models like ChatGPT were invaluable for brainstorming ideas, refining writing, and summarizing complex information. AI-powered research tools helped streamline data collection by identifying relevant sources and extracting key insights. Design tools with AI-assisted features, such as automated image generation and layout suggestions, made visual projects more polished and professional. Additionally, AI-driven coding assistants simplified debugging and improved workflow in programming tasks. The ability to quickly generate, refine, and iterate on ideas made these tools essential for both academic and creative work.



Runlang Liu

I found ChatGPT and Grammarly most helpful. ChatGPT aided brainstorming and research, offering quick, detailed insights for projects like coding or essays. Grammarly polished my writing, catching errors and enhancing clarity, saving time and boosting confidence. Both streamlined tasks, making learning and communication more efficient and enjoyable.

Yunhaoyang Liu

ChatGPT helped with brainstorming, summarizing, and refining writing, while AI design and data tools improved creativity and problem-solving, making tasks more efficient.


Yue Ma

 

Yue Ma

I found ChatGPT most helpful for brainstorming ideas, refining project content, and structuring assignments efficiently. It helped streamline writing tasks, generate clear explanations, and provide alternative perspectives. Kaggle was also valuable for accessing real-world datasets, which enhanced the data-planning aspect of our YUZUSoft-Game_Enginee project. Additionally, Google Dataset Search made it easier to find relevant public datasets for business analysis. These tools significantly improved research efficiency and problem-solving throughout the project.

Yihong (Jack) Niu

I think is chatgpt, because it is a language model and can give me some suggestions and tasks.

Yihong (Jack) Niu

Chatgpt, it can answer most of the question I give it and give me ways to do things.

Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

One of the most helpful AI tools I’ve used is ChatGPT. It’s been a game-changer for brainstorming ideas, writing drafts, and getting quick answers to questions when I’m stuck. The ability to generate ideas or get feedback instantly really boosted my productivity. I also found tools like Grammarly useful for editing, helping me refine my writing and catch mistakes I might’ve missed. Another tool I’ve used is DALL·E, which helped me visualize concepts or ideas I was working on, making it easier to communicate my thoughts. These tools all helped me stay efficient and creative when tackling tasks.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

ChatGPT is very useful in brainstorming and optimizing ideas. Synthesia helps to create AI video presentations, while MidJourney enables us to generate high-quality project visual content.



Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

The most helpful AI tools for me include smart search engines (e.g. Google, Perplexity) for up-to-the-minute information, big models like ChatGPT to assist with creative writing and question answering, Notion AI to improve efficiency in document organisation and knowledge management, and AI-generated tools like Midjourney, DALL-E for visual creation. Together, these tools increase productivity, optimise decision-making, and expand thinking.

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

The most helpful AI tools for me include smart search engines (e.g. Google, Perplexity) for up-to-the-minute information, big models like ChatGPT to assist with creative writing and question answering, Notion AI to improve efficiency in document organisation and knowledge management, and AI-generated tools like Midjourney, DALL-E for visual creation. Together, these tools increase productivity, optimise decision-making, and expand thinking.

Total responses to question 15/15

Section 5: Transferability of Skills

12

How well do you feel the skills developed in this course (critical thinking, problem-solving, AI application) will transfer to real-world business or academic contexts?

Response Average Total
4 = Very well  33% 5
5 = Extremely well  33% 5
3 = Moderately  27% 4
2 = Slightly  7% 1
Total responses to question  100% 15/15

13

Can you describe a situation where you applied or foresee applying these skills? (Open-ended)

Respondent Response
Jiajia (Rose) Cai

I use chatgpt to teach me how to write code and by constantly correcting and plugging in what I actually need to use, help me a person who has not learned python to have the opportunity to use python

Chang-Hung (Michael) Hsieh

For example, in a business environment, I can use critical thinking to analyze data trends and market conditions when making strategic decisions. Let's say I work for a company that wants to launch a new product. I apply my problem-solving skills to identify potential challenges in the marketplace, whether it be related to competition, customer demands, or logistical hurdles. I can then apply AI tools to analyze customer sentiment, track competitor movements, and even optimize supply chain processes to ensure smoother execution.

Xincheng (Tom) Huang

I foresee applying these skills more broadly in the future, especially as challenges like climate change, healthcare, and space exploration become even more pressing. For instance, if a space agency wanted to understand the feasibility of sustaining life on Mars, I could help by breaking down the atmospheric conditions, suggesting engineering solutions for habitat construction, and even referencing successful past missions or simulations. These applications are practical because they directly support decision-making and innovation, while also being meaningful since they contribute to solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges. If you have a specific scenario in mind, feel free to share, and I can dive into more detail!

Shuai (Martin) Jiang

One situation where I applied these skills was during my SWOT analysis of Google, where I used AI tools to streamline research, organize data, and refine my writing. I foresee applying these skills in future business presentations or team projects, where critical thinking, structured analysis, and clear communication are essential. For example, if I work on a startup idea, I can use SWOT analysis and Design Thinking to assess market opportunities and develop innovative solutions. These skills will also help in problem-solving competitions or math-related case studies, where strategic thinking and data-driven insights are crucial.

Jiaheng (Andrew) Li

One situation where I applied these skills was during a collaborative research project that required synthesizing large amounts of information and presenting it effectively. Using AI tools, I streamlined data analysis, summarized key findings, and generated visual representations to enhance clarity. The ability to think critically, iterate on ideas, and present insights in an engaging way made the project more impactful. Looking ahead, I foresee applying these skills in professional settings, such as developing data-driven reports, optimizing workflows with AI-powered automation, or designing user-centered solutions through iterative problem-solving. These skills will continue to be valuable in adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities.



Runlang Liu

I applied ChatGPT’s research skills to plan a community event, gathering ideas for themes and logistics fast. I foresee using Grammarly’s editing prowess in job applications, ensuring polished resumes and cover letters. These tools will streamline future projects, enhancing efficiency and professionalism in real-world tasks.

Yunhaoyang Liu

I applied these skills in a group project on international business, where we analyzed market trends and developed a market entry strategy. Research, critical thinking, and AI tools helped streamline data analysis and presentation. In the future, I see applying these skills in business or education, using problem-solving and collaboration to develop innovative solutions.

Yue Ma

 

Yue Ma

I applied these skills while working on the YUZUSoft-Game_Enginee project, particularly in data planning and AI integration. Researching and selecting public datasets helped me understand real-world data management, which is essential for developing AI-powered tools. Additionally, using Design Thinking to refine the engine’s user interface taught me how to approach product development from a user-centered perspective. In the future, I foresee applying these skills in game development or AI-driven animation tools, where data analysis and iterative problem-solving are crucial for creating efficient and user-friendly solutions.

Yihong (Jack) Niu When I do research about the AI assisted medical project.
Yihong (Jack) Niu

I can write code in very short time by gpt and I just need to edit it I think it will improve my efficiency.

Xiaoze (Tai) Yang

I can definitely see myself using these skills in a future job, especially in marketing or project management. For instance, if I had to come up with a content strategy for a brand, I’d use ChatGPT to quickly brainstorm ideas and create an outline. Then, I could use DALL·E to design visuals that match the brand’s vibe. Grammarly would help me fine-tune everything I write, making sure it’s clean and polished. All these AI tools would help me work faster and more efficiently, making sure I put together a solid, well-rounded campaign.


Kaosaier Yaremaimaiti

I applied critical thinking and AI problem-solving skills in a start-up project to develop an AI-driven marketing strategy. These skills will be very useful in business roles that require data-driven decision-making in the future.


Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

In my daily work and study, I have applied or anticipate applying these AI skills to enhance efficiency and creativity. For example, in writing and content creation, I use ChatGPT to embellish articles or to quickly organise information

Shuying (Ivy) Zhang

In my daily work and study, I have applied or anticipate applying these AI skills to enhance efficiency and creativity. For example, in writing and content creation, I use ChatGPT to embellish articles or to quickly organise information

Total responses to question 15/15