Designing Belonging: Using AI to Create Emotionally Inclusive and Multimodal Learning Materials in Higher Education

This reflective article explores how AI tools, particularly Canva’s AI-assisted visual features, helped me create emotionally inclusive and multimodal learning materials in three teaching contexts: a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme, a teacher training workshop, and a Year 1 Research-Led Learning module. Guided by the CASEL framework, visuals were designed to support emotional safety and belonging. Drawing on Kress’s (2010) multimodality theory, AI-enabled images served as accessible meaning-making resources. Schön’s (1983) reflection-in-action informed my iterative design process, where AI outputs prompted continuous refinement and ethical decision-making. Three visual examples illustrate how AI-enhanced representation, reduced cognitive load, and clarified complex concepts. The article argues that reflective AI use can strengthen inclusive and effective teaching practices.