Theresa Conefrey: Keep effortful learning in a portfolio, especially when using AI

Artificial intelligence, in particular generative AI, can produce writing that - at first glance - looks polished. But does that indicate that a student has learned? That this is their own experience? Teaching Professor Dr Theresa Conefrey from Santa Clara University in California, U.S.A., is all for her students using AI to support their writing, to tweak it, and to find ways to express themselves better. However, she advocates for students to stay in control of their writing, reflect on the AI suggestions, and iterate over their texts, doing the learning themselves. Learning requires effort, and students should embrace that effort and also reflect on their learning to make it stick. Theresa teaches in the English department and in others, including Engineering. She is also the Director of Santa Clara University’s Peer Educator Program. Theresa is passionate about all things ePortfolio and has been a member of the AAEEBL Task Force on Digital Ethics in ePortfolios since 2020. Her research interests include ePortfolios, student learning, particularly first-generation university students' learning, and artificial intelligence in eduction. Resources Conefrey, T. (2026, June 17). AI on our side in learning ePortfolios. AAEEBL Symposium 2026, Online. Mize, M., & Tyson, E. (2026, June 17). Centering student voice in an AI-mediated world: ePortfolios as a site of agency. AAEEBL Symposium, Online. Mize, M., & Tyson, E. (2026, June 17). Inviting curiosity about AI, writing, and design through ePortfolios. AAEEBL Symposium, Online. Riff - the AI reflection partner by Dr Leticia Britos Cavagnaro at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) at Stanford University AAEEBL Digital Ethics in ePortfolios Task Force AAEEBL AI webinar series Scott, S. (n.d.). Martin Buber (1878-1965). Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: A Peer-Reviewed Academic Resource. Retrieved September 6, 2026. Related episodes Leticia Britos Cavagnaro: Make learning visible Mike Altieri: Use reflection bot Riff for deeper and more meaningful portfolio reflection Mario A. Peraza: Use AI to help curate your digital presence Michael Sankey: The portfolio as the place of representation for emerging professionals Subscribe to the monthly newsletter about Mahara and portfolios. Production information Production: Catalyst IT Host: Kristina Hoeppner Artwork: Evonne Cheung Music: The Mahara tune by Josh Woodward