Primer: An AI-Powered Authoring System for Instructor-Centered Educational Simulation Creation
Wharton’s Generative AI Labs (GAIL) develops research-grounded AI tools for teaching and learning, connecting advances in generative AI with the science of learning and instructional design.
Our team at Wharton has spent over a decade designing educational simulations. Well-designed simulations give students structured opportunities to apply knowledge under pressure, navigate ambiguity, and learn from feedback, but simulations have historically been difficult and costly to build and scale. Primer explores a new approach: an AI-powered proof of concept designed so instructors can turn their own lessons, materials, and knowledge of students into adaptive simulations through guided conversation, keeping instructor expertise at the center of the design.
Follow our journey as we develop Primer and openly share our process and learnings along the way.
The Studio
The Generative AI Studio at Wharton’s Generative AI Labs helps students learn to shape what comes next in AI by treating Generative AI not only as a tool, but as a creative medium. In the Studio, students develop working prototypes and novel AI experiences through experimentation, critique, and revision, learning to move beyond the chat box and toward systems that can teach, advise, collaborate, create, and respond in more personal and meaningful ways.
Drawing on practices from art and design education, including the critique and the charrette, the Studio cultivates the enduring skills students need to work with a rapidly changing technology: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, technical fluency, ethical judgment, and discernment. Participants leave with a stronger understanding of what Generative AI makes possible, how to direct it effectively, and how to create human-centered experiences that are distinctive, responsible, and worth building.
The Pincus AI Lab for Organizational Innovation
This initiative, generously funded by Marc J. Pincus, W’88, tackles the future of AI and work through research and active tool development. We investigate fundamental questions—such as how organizations should be rebuilt around AI and how to cultivate human-AI “co-intelligence”—while simultaneously building practical AI systems. This integrated approach ensures our research informs tangible solutions designed to help entrepreneurs and managers succeed, and our development work grounds our research in real-world challenges.
Our Research
GAIL produces rigorous scientific research that advances our understanding of large language models through systematic testing and analysis. We examine critical questions that include AI performance, benchmarking methodologies, and implementation strategies. Our goal is to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community working on current and future AI systems.
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We explore the possibilities of generative AI every day.
GAIL blends academic rigor with hands-on experience in educational technology. Our team’s established background in designing digital learning experiences provides valuable insights into AI’s potential for enhancing both formal education and professional development. We create solutions that balance pedagogical principles with technological innovation—approaching each challenge with both theoretical understanding and practical wisdom.
If you have questions about our work, please contact us at GenAILab@wharton.upenn.edu.