Learning Through Experimentation: Students Share How AI Shapes Media, Ethics, and Creativity — and Prepares Them for Journalism Careers

This student-led panel showcases how future journalists are learning to navigate artificial intelligence in media production. Students from JMS 495: Artificial Intelligence in Media Production share lessons from hands-on experimentation with AI and reflect on how the course prepared them for journalism careers. Their projects explore enduring issues: recognizing limitations like hallucinations, avoiding over-reliance, harnessing AI-enhanced creativity, and examining ethical and business implications. Rather than focusing on specific platforms, the panel highlights critical skills, adaptability, and ethical frameworks that will remain vital as journalism continues to evolve alongside AI. Moderator: Shawn Montano, University of Northern Colorado Panelists: Gregory Edward Egbert, University of Northern Colorado Kinsley Walker, University of Northern Colorado Jaylen Lee, University of Northern Colorado