Over the past few years, AI has gone from a buzzword to a tool that’s actively changing how we create, learn, and work. You can do anything - from generating art to creating code that’ll improve your website, the world is at your fingertips. Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming embedded in both professional workflows and educational settings. But what does this actually look like in a classroom?
We spoke with one of Noble Desktop’s instructors, Jerron Smith, who teaches Motion Graphics and Video Editing courses and developed the curriculum used in those programs, about how AI is integrated into the learning experience and why it's a game-changer for students, professionals, and individuals.
Q: How is AI incorporated into the curriculum?
A: AI actually comes into play before a single student steps foot in class. I use tools like ChatGPT and Google Notebook LM to keep tabs on industry trends, which helps me make sure that our curriculum reflects what’s current in the field. It’s not just about what the software can do, but what people are doing with it in their everyday lives and real-world jobs.
Q: Do you use AI to help you build or revise course content?
A: Absolutely. When I’m writing or revising materials (especially technical content), AI helps speed things up. For example, we have a glossary of terms across all our Video Editing and Motion Graphics books, and AI made compiling that faster and more accurate. ChatGPT is a great assistant when it comes to organizing information and conducting technical research.
Q: What about creating the visuals or assets used in projects?
A: Generative AI in Adobe software is a huge help there. Before, I’d spend hours finding or designing the perfect asset for an animation project. Now we’ve got tools like Adobe Firefly or Photoshop’s generative fill, and it can quickly create what I need. It’s a huge time saver, and in these cases, lets us focus more on the creative process and not just the production hurdles or the busy work.
Q: How does AI show up during class time?
A: In class, we cover the AI-powered features built into the Adobe apps. This includes things like auto-transcription, smart re-timing, and content-aware fills. The key takeaway for students is that these tools aren’t magic; they’re just tools that help you work faster and more efficiently. We emphasize that AI should help reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks so students can focus on creativity and storytelling.
Q: What about more advanced students or portfolio classes?
A: In those sessions, I demonstrate how students can integrate AI into their personal workflows. It’s about showing them real ways AI can help them meet deadlines without sacrificing any of the quality of their projects.
Q: You mentioned you’re also developing AI tools outside of the classroom. Tell us more about that.
A: I’ve started using GenAI (ChatGPT specifically) to create add-ons to help people work more efficiently in their Adobe Software. You can see the tools I created here.
What they do specifically probably won't make any sense if you don't know the software or workflow involved, but they’re tools that make doing specific tasks easier and faster. I couldn't have coded them without AI assistance.
Q: Any upcoming projects involving AI?
A: My next project with AI (aside from my continued development of these software tools) is to create projects that my students can use to improve their skills. Kind of like long-term homework assignments that reinforce what they learn in class, and give them a chance to work more independently while still having guidance. My hope is that AI tools will continue to become more accessible, easier to use, and more integrated.
Want to learn more about how AI can fit into your journey?
Check out Noble Desktop’s Motion Graphics and Video Editing classes to learn new techniques and to see Jerron’s vision in action.
