Tackling the Challenge of AI Through Creativity and Ethics: Martine Pellerin recipient of a 2026 Course (Re)Design Award

Martine Pellerin, professor at the Faculté Saint-Jean

This article incorporates elements from The Quad's September 03, 2026, article "Celebrating innovation in the classroom: recipients of the 2026 Course (Re)Design Award"  by Karsten Mundel

The rapid emergence of generative artificial intelligence in the academic landscape poses significant challenges, while also paving the way for unprecedented opportunities for educational transformation. It is against this backdrop of change that Dr. Martine Pellerin, a professor at Faculté Saint-Jean at the University of Alberta, received a Course (Re)Design Award 2026 from the University of Alberta. This award recognizes the exceptional leadership and humanistic vision of faculty members who are rethinking the assessment of learning in order to address the challenges posed by AI with ingenuity and rigor.

While generative AI raises questions about the authenticity of student work and academic integrity, Professor Pellerin has chosen to use this tool as a lever for active learning for future faculty members.

Rather than banning the technology or resorting solely to punitive measures, her approach emphasizes accountability, formative assessment, and fostering an informed perspective on technological tools.

A three-week AI literacy module (exploring how algorithms work, bias, ethical issues and data privacy) was integrated into EDU M 341 – Les technologies de l’information et de la communication. In addition, the AI-powered collaborative Canva platform was used throughout the course to promote new forms of assessment that engaged pre-service teachers in creating multimodal content, critically evaluating AI-generated outputs and considering their ethical integration into future K–12 classrooms. 

By guiding future teachers toward a thoughtful coexistence with AI, Martine Pellerin demonstrates that technological innovation in education must, above all, serve the quality of the teaching relationship and the fulfillment of learners.

Martine Pellerin and the other winners of the 2026 Course (Re) Design Award will be officially honored at the University of Alberta’s annual Celebrate! Teaching. Learning. Research. event, to be held on October 6.

This ceremony will be an opportunity to celebrate inspiring initiatives that, beyond simply updating syllabi, actively contribute to redefining the future of higher education at the University of Alberta.