Graduate students today are under pressure to build portfolios that not only demonstrate skills, but also reflect creativity, clarity, and professionalism.

This AI Skill Drop Scenario follows Gary, an Educational Technology graduate student who uses AI tools to brainstorm project ideas, structure case studies, and organize his work using instructional design models like ADDIE. He does all of this while maintaining academic integrity.

What sets Gary apart? He doesn’t just use AI. He documents how he uses it. At the end of each project, Gary includes an AI Use Disclosure Statement explaining how AI supported (but didn’t replace) his creative process. That transparency strengthens both his academic credibility and his portfolio.

By using AI as a creative partner instead of a shortcut, Gary produces work that is AI-assisted and authentically his own.

▶️ Hit play to see how Gary brings his instructional design skills to life, ethically and effectively.

Audio and video credit: Nature Ambiance by Benjamin152 -- freesound[dot]org/s/445144/ -- License: Attribution 3.0 | Tea Garden Outside Ambience.wav by et_graham -- freesound[dot]org/s/366313/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0 | Keira Burton: pexels[dot]com/video/a-man-writing-on-his-notes-6145666/ | pexels[dot]com/video/student-sitting-on-wooden-bench-6145427/ | pexels[dot]com/video/two-men-studying-together-6145675/