MonarchSphere: Old Dominion and Google Reinvent AI Education

With National AI Literacy Day highlighting the importance of preparing students for a future dominated by artificial intelligence, Old Dominion University (ODU) has decided to take an innovative approach. In partnership with Google Public Sector, the university has launched MonarchSphere, an AI incubator designed to connect students, faculty, and industry partners around concrete use cases.

Defining AI Literacy at ODU

Chrysoula Malogianni, Senior Associate Vice President for Digital Innovation and Head of Digital Experience at ODU, explains that the university does not view AI literacy as a novelty. It builds on previous work in digital literacy, information literacy, and the use of technology across various disciplines. For ODU, AI literacy means that the academic community can interact with AI in an informed, intentional, and context-appropriate manner. This includes understanding the capabilities and limitations of these systems, using them in a given context, evaluating outcomes, and making informed decisions rather than relying on them blindly. The university sees AI literacy as an extension of digital literacy, not a replacement. Students, faculty, and staff must still know how to research, analyze, communicate, and think critically. AI simply changes how these skills are applied.

MonarchSphere: A Unique Incubator

MonarchSphere is presented as the first AI incubator in higher education. Malogianni emphasizes that it was created to bridge the gap between learning about AI and applying it meaningfully. Traditional academic programs are often strong in building foundational knowledge but do not always support rapid, interdisciplinary experimentation related to real-world problems. The incubator model allows for the integration of these elements. It provides the opportunity to take real-world use cases—from industry, government, research, or institutional operations—and address them in a structured manner with students, faculty, and partners.

Differences from Innovation Labs

Malogianni notes that many institutions have innovation labs or maker spaces. While these spaces are valuable, they often focus on exploration or exposure to technology. MonarchSphere, on the other hand, is designed as an applied ecosystem, connected to academic programs, research initiatives, institutional operations, and external partners. What sets it apart is the emphasis on real-world use cases and the complete lifecycle of the work. The goal is not just to ask, "What can this technology do?" but rather, "What problem are we solving, and how do we do it in a usable, responsible, and scalable way?"

Examples of Projects within MonarchSphere

One example of a project is the work around student pathways and advising. ODU is exploring how AI can support this process in a more integrated way, helping students better understand their pathways, options, and decisions. Students not only interact with these tools but also reflect on the logic behind them, how recommendations are generated, and what makes an outcome trustworthy. They also build and work with AI models in applied contexts, whether in engineering or health.

Student Engagement with AI

In MonarchSphere, students engage with open problems, collaborate across disciplines, and navigate uncertainty. This changes how they interact. They do not just complete assignments; they help define problems, test ideas, and evaluate outcomes. The skills that emerge from this experience are different. Students develop a comfort level working in real-world contexts, better judgment, and a deeper understanding of how technology integrates into actual workflows.

Measuring the Impact of MonarchSphere

Malogianni indicates that the university is taking a measured approach to assess the impact of MonarchSphere. Although it is still early, several indicators are being considered: student engagement in applied experiences, exposure to real-world use cases and external partners, and the skills developed by students. In the long term, the university expects to see an impact on internships, employer engagement, and hiring outcomes.

Supporting Faculty

Regarding faculty support, Malogianni emphasizes that the university takes faculty concerns seriously. Issues of academic integrity, quality, and the role of AI in learning are being addressed. The university focuses on clarity, guidance, and practical use of AI.

Partnership with Google Public Sector

The partnership with Google Public Sector is central to MonarchSphere. Malogianni explains that this collaboration is effective because it is aligned at a strategic level, not just a technological one. Institutions need to seek a partner that understands higher education, supports secure and scalable environments, and is committed beyond a transactional model.

Future Perspectives

Looking ahead, Malogianni believes that students will expect a more connected and applied learning experience. They will want learning to be directly linked to real-world contexts, more flexible, and reflective of how work is done in an AI-driven environment.