Teaching in the CTEI
What Skills Must Humans Still Master?
In this second episode of a three-part series on AI in higher ed, Angela and guests, Dilnoza Khasilova, Thomas J. Tobin, and Peg Checchi discuss the foundational skills that still matter in the age of AI. Questions pondered include, "What is one skill students absolutely still need to learn themselves, even if AI can do it for them?" and "Where do you draw the line between AI assistance and AI replacement?" Topics such as the mental work of writing, the importance of reasoning and intentionality, and the balance among guidance, tools, and learner agency are addressed. A huge thank you to our guests for their generosity and thoughtful insights! Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD is a scholar, educator, author, and higher education leader whose work sits at the intersection of global learning, adult education, and emerging technology in teaching and learning. Currently, Dilnoza is a director of the Adult Education Center at North Idaho College. She was a Fulbright-Hays Study Projects Abroad Grant recipient to Costa Rica and the U.S. Department of English Language Program Virtual Educator and Peace Corps Virtual Service Pilot Educator. Dilnoza’s book and chapter publications and course developments include: Internationalizing Your Course: A Guide to Infusing Global Learning into Curricula (2026) NAFSA's Guide to International Student Recruitment (Maximizing International Alumni Engagement for Student Recruitment (Dilnoza Khasilova, 2025) Decision Making: An IEPC Learning Package (Data Collection & Analysis, 2024) Nonformal Learning: World Language and Culture Program (2021) Social Media: LinkedIn Dilnoza Khasilova Thomas J. Tobin, PhD, MSLS, PMP, MOT, CPACC is an internationally recognized scholar, author, and speaker on technology-mediated education. Named among the world’s top 100 learning influencers, Tom’s books include: Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Higher Education (2018) Going Alt-Ac [“alt-ack”]: A Guide to Alternative Academic Careers (2020) UDL at Scale: Whole-Campus Universal Design for Learning (2026) Evaluating Teaching in the Digital Era (forthcoming 2027) Peer Observation Made Practical (forthcoming 2028) Find him on various social media and at thomasjtobin.com. Also find Tom's "lopsided house" diagram (described in the episode) in his most recent book, UDL At Scale from Oklahoma University Press (2026). Margaret (Peg) Checchi, M.Ed. is a Senior Instructional Designer at Rush University’s Center for Teaching Excellence & Innovation (CTEI). She is a leading strategist in digital accessibility compliance, curriculum design, and the intentional integration of emerging technologies in higher education. Bringing a highly unique, multi-disciplinary background to the field, Peg draws on an extensive past in the professional culinary arts, high-end catering, and large-scale event operations management to inform her approach to complex educational architecture. At Rush University, her work focuses on designing high-impact online learning environments, managing institutional project portfolios, and spearheading accessibility standards through platforms like Canvas LMS and YuJa Panorama. She views instructional design through an operational lens deeply shaped by her culinary roots—where success relies on strict sensory staging, precise timing, and mise en place (meez ehn plawss) or having everything in its place .
