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Generative AI

You may not realize it, but we have been using AI technology for years. Siri, Amazon, Netflix, Google Maps, Spotify and Grammarly use AI technology to see patterns, predict actions and suggest next steps based on your behavior. There are over 7,000 AI tools being used now (see the list on the There’s an AI for That website). With the creation of natural language processing, we are now seeing specific tools that students can access that can replicate assignment submissions. This teaching guide offers suggestions for exploring AI and considering how it can be used effectively and ethically in higher education.

Quick Links

Introduction

Exploring Generative AI

Discussing Generative AI with Students

Additional Resources

Introduction to Generative AI

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that produces content like text, images and code based on a series of prompts. Current generative AI tools are evolving fast and becoming more nuanced in their responses. To learn more about how generative AI works, read this article from Ask a Techspert: What is generative AI?

One popular generative AI tool is ChatGPT. May 2023, UNCG hosted Sarah Egan Warren from North Carolina State University as part of the Adapt 2023 conference to talk about Getting to Know ChatGPT: An Introduction to Innovative Teaching Using AI Text Generators. Watching her presentation is a great way to get an overview of how ChatGPT works. To access the Adapt 2023 conference Canvas site to watch Sarah Egan Warren’s presentation, use this self-enroll link. You can go directly to the presentation here. (These links require UNCG log-in credentials.)

Like any new technology, students may or may not be experienced in using it or understand the best approach. At UNCG, instructors determine what kind of outside assistance is allowed or not allowed in their courses. Before making a decision about the use of generative AI in a course, experience this technology first to understand its abilities. Keep in mind that this technology is changing constantly.

Exploring Generative AI

Create a free account on ChatGPT and start playing with the tool. You can access ChatGPT at https://chat.openai.com/

ChatGPT requires you to enter multiple prompts to generate what you need. Here are some resources to explore to learn how to create a strong prompt:

110 Best ChatGPT Prompts for All Kinds of Workflow

Mastering the Art of Writing ChatGPT Prompts for Teachers: Tips and Tricks

Shaleen Miller, UNCG instructor, has been using ChatGPT as both a course design tool and instructional activity with her students. View Shaleen’s slides from the presentation. Watch this video to learn all about the ways she is using this technology.

Generative AI Tools

This list is just some of the generative AI tools available. If you want to read a comparison of these tools, start with the eWeek article (May 2, 2023) called Top 9 Generative AI Applications and Tools

ChatGPT is a text generator. GPT-4 is OpenAI’s latest iteration of its Large Language Model (LLM) advertised as more creative and accurate. Many AI vendors have built their products on a GPT-4 foundation.

Bing search with ChatGPT is a collaboration between Microsoft’s search engine and ChatGPT.

Bard is Google’s response to ChatGPT.

Character.AI uses chat with chatbots based on historical, fictional, or contemporary figures.

TechSynth offers a playground space that allows users to see the varied results from using different language models.

State of the Union Presidential Rebuttals lets users pick any two Presidents in history to offer rebuttals to each other’s State of the Union speeches.

DALL-E is an image generator based on a text description.

Stable Diffusion is an image generator based on text from Stability AI.

DreamStudio is a web app based on Stable Diffusion.

AutoDraw is a drawing tool that uses AI to change user drawings to higher quality visuals.

Jasper is an art generator providing images and photos.

GitHub Copilot writes code and translates code into other programming languages.

AlphaCode is focused on problem-solving and coding solutions.

Discussing Generative AI with Students

After exploring some generative AI tools, instructors will need to decide how to discuss this technology with their students, consider potential policies around its use and revisit some of their assessments in their courses.

Keep in mind:

Students may lack a clear process for creating scholarly work. Consider surveying students at the beginning of the semester to share their current process for completing their coursework. For instance, how do they approach research? What’s their experience in creating citations? How do they tackle bigger projects like papers and presentations? Knowing this information can suggest relevant ways to discuss how to approach course work and ethical uses of generative AI.
Students may be new to generative AI technology. Don’t assume that because generative AI is in the news that your students already know how to use it. If there is concern about students using this technology unethically, discuss the technology as a class. Discuss academic honesty and ethical uses of this technology. Explain what role generative AI should play in the course. Add language to the course syllabus that clarifies expectations of generative AI use.
Students rely on instructors to develop a scholarly process. Scaffold large assignments to help students learn the process of learning and critical thinking. Use smaller, reflective assignments to help students learn and practice specific steps in the scholarly process.
Students need to know how generative AI will be used in their field of study. Discuss with students how professionals are using this technology. Consider bringing in a guest speaker from your field to discuss this technology and ask questions.
Students value assignments that are authentic and give students agency. Consider revisiting some assignments that encourage students to analyze the output of AI generators. For example, instead of asking students to write a paper, generate one or more papers from a generative AI source and ask students to analyze the output with some guiding questions.
Students don’t come to college with the intention to cheat. Create a class environment that encourages students to feel comfortable approaching you and others when they need support.

For more ideas on how to help your students navigate generative AI, use this resource from Barnard College, Generative AI & the College Classroom.

Looking for sample Generative AI syllabus policies from other universities, use this resource called Classroom Policies for Generative AI tools.

Before you create your classroom policy on Generative AI, watch this Ted Talk video from Yoram Solomon (10 minutes) about trusting students with AI.

Additional Resources

Generative AI Technology is evolving with additional abilities and more nuanced outputs. It’s important to keep learning and discussing this technology with your students.

Here are some resources to get you started.

Inside Higher Education, ChatGPT Advice Academics Can Use Now, Susan D’Agostino (January 11, 2023) This article shares advice from multiple college instructors about their approach to generative AI. Some great quotes from this article:

Our approach to teaching should be guided not by one recent product but by reflection on the lives our students are likely to lead in the 2030s.
Channel anxiety over ChatGPT into productive experimentation.
Help students be prepared to fact check any AI-generated writing outputs.

Teaching in Higher Ed Podcast Episode: Designing Courses in the Age of AI with Maria Andersen (45 minutes) During this episode, Dr. Andersen discusses how to prepare our higher ed classes during a time of acceleration of change.

Lecture Breakers Podcast Episode: How to Use ChatGPT to Create Engaging Experiences with Dr. Jason Gulya (57 minutes) During this episode, Dr. Gulya, an English professor, talks through assignments and activities that he has created. He even discusses how he uses ChatGPT to help him create grading rubrics. He advocates talking to students about this tool, do not ban it or ignore it, talk to them.

Sample ChatGPT assignments from Dr. Jason Gulya, Lecture Breakers Podcast

Johnson, S.M., Coley, M., Bandy, J., Bradley, J., Molvig, O. (2023). Teaching in the Age of AI. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/

The Potential of AI in Assessment Feedback (August 2022) from Times Higher Education

Three Things to Know about AI Tools and Teaching (December 2022) from Agile Learning Derek Bruff’s blog on teaching and learning

How AI is impacting higher ed (January 2023) from the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast

Will ChatGPT make us better, happier teachers? by Betsy Barre at Wake Forest University (January 2023)