Humans in the Loop, the new blog from CISA on AI in Higher-Ed

Welcome to the inaugural post of Humans in the Loop! Sometimes digesting all the information around AI in higher ed can be overwhelming, so these posts will aim to help you sort through some of the noise quickly and productively.

In each post on Humans in the Loop, we’ll be spotlighting the AI-related work of CISA faculty and staff, as well as sharing examples of how AI is being used across ASU and higher education more broadly. In this first post, we’re learning a bit more about the vision for Humans in the Loop and AI in CISA from our Interim Dean, Manuel G. Avilés-Santiago. From Dean Avilés-Santiago:

When AI began making waves, I rushed to embrace it, curious, excited and eager to explore its potential. But after that initial burst of experimentation, I paused to reflect: How do we integrate this responsibly, in a way that aligns with who we are as a college? That question sparked a series of thoughtful conversations across CISA, filled with creativity, care and critical thinking. As those meetings continued, it became clear that the insights being shared needed to go beyond the Zoom room.

At our second gathering of what is now the CISA AI Task Force, we started shaping the idea of Humans in the Loop. Not just as a name, but as a philosophy: that even in an era of rapid automation, human perspective, judgment and values must remain at the center. At CISA, we define AI fluency not simply as learning how to use new tools, but as cultivating the mindset to question, co-create and lead with intention.

This blog is an invitation to be part of that journey, to share what we’re learning, spotlight the work of our faculty and staff, and grow together as a community. I hope you’ll read, reflect and help us keep the human in the loop.