Visual Storytelling and the Human Touch

Animation Specialist Koby Leff and Manager of Faculty Development Joan Giovannini explore the growing role of generative AI in higher education, particularly in the creation of instructional videos. They argue for the irreplaceable value of human creativity and pedagogical intent; while AI tools promise efficiency and convenience, they cannot replicate the nuanced storytelling, emotional connection, and instructional design that faculty bring to their teaching. This video essay emphasizes that video production is not merely a technical task but a communicative process rooted in human connection, and cautions against overreliance on automation at the expense of meaningful learning. Instead, it advocates for professional development and structural support to empower educators to develop video skills that enhance engagement and deepen understanding. Full references at: https://www.umass.edu/ideas/node/1263