Humanizing Online Graduate Nursing Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Designing Connected, Compassionate, and AI-Enhanced Online Learning Environments

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Jackie Murphy,  Elle Fried  

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, it is critical to humanize the online learning experience, particularly for graduate nursing students. Online education can often feel isolating, leading to decreased motivation, engagement, and success (Bergdahl, 2022). To counter this, educators must intentionally foster empathy, trust, and presence in their virtual classrooms (Shemberger, 2022). Simultaneously, they must prepare students to effectively use AI tools that are currently transforming healthcare. This paper explores the integration of humanizing strategies into online nursing education through the combined lens of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Community of Inquiry (CoI) frameworks. These models prioritize learner agency, equity, and connection, which are critical elements in supporting student belonging, resilience, and self-efficacy (CAST, 2024; Seymour, 2023; Leino et al., 2024). Practical applications include encouraging students to use AI tools to brainstorm responses to discussion prompts, while requiring them to integrate real-life examples to foster critical thinking and promote authenticity. Video-based discussion forums can further enhance social presence and foster peer connection. Instructors may also encourage students to use AI-assisted grammar and formatting tools, allowing faculty to focus their feedback on content and professional relevance. Additionally, providing video-based instructor feedback adds a human touch that reinforces instructor presence and supports a more engaging and personalized learning experience. As nurses navigate a healthcare landscape that demands both technological competency and emotional intelligence, graduate nursing programs adjust how they educate students. This study offers a research-informed, actionable approach to integrating AI while preserving the human touch.