Athabasca University News recently interviewed Aleksandar Golijanin about ADMN 405, which is the recently launched artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cooperative learning experience. Targeting third- and fourth-year Faculty of Business undergraduate students, we wanted to find out how one of these students is currently enjoying this course!
This course has been fantastic. I enjoy participating in the discussion board and learning from my fellow learners. This course provides such a unique experience where we are tasked with top management responsibilities, getting into the nitty gritty of everything from finance to production. However, it is Ametros Learning, which is the ground-breaking AI-system, that takes this course over the top and creates a real-life feel when communicating between various levels of top management within the simulated environment.
My favourite part of this course has been completing the banking tasks and communicating with varying members of the corporate ladder. I was so enthralled by the AI's ability to engage in a realistic and free-flowing dialogue, I completed over 70% of the content within the first few weeks. Each time I draft an email to someone in the project, I am enthusiastic about receiving their response so I can read over it.
The most challenging part of this course, for me, is coming to terms with the fact that a significant portion of my grade that is tied to group work and the possible implications that may have on me as an A student.
"Be prepared to be amazed!" That is what I would tell students considering this course. The course provides an all-encompassing experience that goes above and beyond in emulating what a traditional co-op experience provides. Professor Richard Dixon also does a great job in helping us understand the complexities of the business world.
There are two important things I have learned: business and non-business. From a business perspective, there are so many dynamics in running a successful business and just how important quality leadership is. From a non-business perspective, ADMN405 provides a controlled learning experience of the real-world and it is important to allow your teammates to take on tasks, make mistakes, and to turn those mistakes into positive learning experiences. By making mistakes in the controlled environment, they will be less likely to make those mistakes when they embark on their professional career.
I am super grateful to be one of the first students to be offered the opportunity to experience this multifaceted learning environment. Given the opportunity, learners across all faculties would benefit from having access to this AI-driven immersive technology, as one of the shortfalls of distance learning can be the lack cooperative learning experience opportunities.
