Claudia Goldman Integrates AI Into Hebrew University Teaching

Prof. Claudia V. Goldman is redefining how artificial intelligence is taught at the Hebrew University Business School, where she has served as an associate professor in the Data Science Department since July 2024. Her primary objective is to leverage AI to solve tangible, real-world problems rather than viewing the technology as a standalone subject. This approach reflects her extensive background in both academic research and industrial application, bringing a practical perspective to her role in Jerusalem.

Goldman’s teaching methodology centers on transparency and critical engagement. She explicitly informs students when and why they are permitted to use AI tools, requiring them to credit the technology and explain their usage. Fully AI-generated responses are not accepted, and Goldman notes that students are aware of her ability to detect such writing. Instead, she encourages a collaborative process where students brainstorm with AI while maintaining a critical eye, checking for biases and verifying the existence of cited sources.

To ensure a deep understanding of the material, evaluation is conducted through a mix of classwork, presentations, and peer-organized activities. This format allows Goldman to assess students’ comprehension in person. The curriculum extends beyond technical skills to include discussions on human responsibility and values. Students explore what kind of researcher, professional, and person they aim to become in an increasingly automated world. The Business School supports this focus with specific courses such as AI for Social Good, Responsible AI, and When AI Meets Humans and Society.

Goldman’s career path demonstrates a strong blend of theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience. Born in Argentina, she moved to Israel in January 1984 at the age of 16. She completed her secondary education at Mae Boyer High School in 1986 and went on to earn three degrees from the Hebrew University: a BSc in 1991, an MSc in 1993, and a PhD in 1999. Her doctoral work was supervised by Prof. Jeff Rosenschein. Between 1999 and 2005, she held research positions at Bar-Ilan University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Haifa.

Following her academic research, Goldman transitioned to the private sector. She worked for three years as a team leader at Samsung Telecom Research in Herzliya, followed by 15 years as a research scientist at General Motors. At GM, she focused on introducing learning agents into the vehicle user experience to help drivers understand autonomous driving functions. Her professional achievements include 24 patents and more than 50 academic publications. When asked about Bill Gates’s concept of reserving certain jobs for humans, Goldman argued that the issue is not a simple binary. She believes the focus should be on understanding the specific benefits AI brings to different roles and the critical skills needed to enhance them.

Her personal journey to Israel began with a firm conviction. As her only child, Goldman grew up in Buenos Aires, attending a Jewish school through seventh grade. In 1983, she told her father that Israel was the only place she could see herself growing up. The family made aliyah six months later. She eventually met her husband, Prof. Roy Shenhar, on the Givat Ram campus in 1995. After meeting by chance three times, they honored a Hebrew custom by sharing ice cream. They married in 1999, and the fall semester at the university is now beginning with new opportunities for learning, including a program that allows senior citizens to audit courses.