This presentation shares the design and implementation of a 9-week asynchronous online general education course aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking. This 100-level course was designed to equip undergraduate learners with foundational knowledge and actionable skills to address human trafficking within broader social justice contexts. The presenters argue that an “Explore–Engage–Apply” instructional framework, enhanced by responsible use of generative AI, can effectively scaffold student learning from foundational understanding to real-world action in anti-human trafficking efforts. Students begin by defining human trafficking, examining its global prevalence, root causes, indicators, and recruitment methods, and then progress to survivor-informed perspectives, technology’s role, and industry-specific prevention strategies. Learning culminates in a scaffolded final project in which students propose prevention or intervention strategies in their local communities. In this session, the presenters will also share insights on how they integrated Generative AI tools to support real world scenario development, personalized feedback, and iterative learning while maintaining ethical guidelines. This course model demonstrates how early undergraduate education can move beyond awareness to cultivate actionable social justice competencies. They recommend adopting scaffolded, AI-enhanced pedagogies to prepare students as informed advocates and practitioners. Beyond undergraduate settings, this approach can be adapted for professional development, continuing education, and workplace training programs. Attendees will gain a replicable framework for developing interdisciplinary, impact-driven curricula that strengthen global anti-trafficking and social justice efforts.
Iuliia Hoban is Assistant Professor and Program Chair for MS in Human Security & Resilience at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). Her research focuses on human security, critical security studies, and human rights. She applied research skills in NGOs and think tanks, including Denver, Colorado’s Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking.
Alex Rister is Assistant Professor of Communication and Program Chair, BS Communication at ERAU. Her research, service, and community volunteer work center on communication for social change. As a prior University of Central Florida Francis Bok Human Trafficking Awareness Fellow, much of her work focuses on human trafficking awareness.