Welcome to the November 2025 edition of Innovatus.
This month, Innovatus spotlights York University’s efforts to advance teaching, learning and research through the use of artificial intelligence. This issue showcases four stories that reflect York’s leadership in AI, and how it's being innovated with to empower faculty and students with professional development and transformative learning experiences.
In this issue:
Experiential learning meets AI in undergraduate design courses
Faculty members Wendy Wong and Andrew Maxwell are bringing artificial intelligence into design and engineering classrooms at York University. Through hands-on projects and AI-guided learning, students are developing creativity, critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. These experiential approaches are preparing learners for a future shaped by emerging technologies.
How York U is using technology to protect Indigenous languages
Instructor Andrew McConnell is leading a groundbreaking initiative to preserve Anishinaabemowin and Indigenous cultural traditions using AI tools rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. The project prioritizes ethical design and community ownership, exploring how technology can respectfully support language revitalization and Indigenous sovereignty.
GenAI training helps York faculty boost classroom innovation
Teaching Commons has launched two flexible certificate programs to help faculty navigate generative AI in education. With curated resources, workshops and capstone projects, the training supports instructors in making informed, strategic decisions about AI use in their teaching practice.
New eClass tools support teaching, student success
York faculty now have access to AI-powered tools within the eClass platform, including the AI Course Assistant and AI Learning Companion. Developed by University Information Technology, these tools offer automated syllabus support, personalized tutoring and secure, ethical integration to improve course communication and student learning outcomes.