AI is everywhere, from writing bedtime stories to planning your weekly meals, and yes, even promising to build your entire course in 30 minutes. But is it really the magic bullet for course creators? In this episode of Unlock Course Creation, Cassandra unpacks the hype, highlights where AI can genuinely help, and lays down healthy boundaries for using AI without losing your unique voice.

She also shares her latest mountain biking adventure and the surprising ways race design connects to designing better learning experiences.

• AI hype vs. reality: AI-generated courses are often cookie-cutter and lack personal stories, nuance, and transformation.
• Where AI helps: Brainstorming ideas, drafting outlines, repurposing content, and handling admin tasks.
• Healthy boundaries:
  • Always add your why and your personal stories.
  • Treat AI outputs as messy first drafts, never final products.
  • Double-check accuracy to avoid misinformation.
  • Use AI for busy work, not brain work.
• Future potential: Personalized learning paths, adaptive quizzes, and built-in AI tutors could change how learners experience online courses.
• Real-world tie-in: Just like her mountain biking race used thoughtful design to create a fun, inclusive experience, your course design should make students feel supported, challenged, and excited to keep going.

• [00:01:33] AI hype: too-good-to-be-true claims
• [00:04:05] Where AI actually shines: brainstorming, drafting, repurposing, admin tasks
• [00:07:57] Guardrails for using AI without losing your voice
• [00:10:02] Bonus: AI’s future role in personalized learning experiences
• [00:12:05] Cassandra’s Conversation: lessons from a fun mountain bike race
• [00:23:54] Final note: AI can’t fold your laundry, but it can give you more breathing room

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• 💡 Action Step: Try using AI this week for one small task (like repurposing a lesson into a social post), then reflect on how you layered in your personal stories and voice.