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. Our teaching tips this week focus on how to approach this technology.
- Getting Familiar with AI. The topic of AI seems to appear daily in the news. This technology is evolving quickly. Now is the time to prepare yourself for this technology. The UTLC has developed a LinkedIn Learning path to help you learn more about this tool and its impact on instruction. Watch the Generative AI LinkedIn Learning path. Are you scared of AI? Don’t be.
- Bringing Students into the Conversation. Our students are still developing their own scholarly practice. Talk about AI in your classroom and how technology is a tool. AI can generate human-sounding text that lacks robust coherence. If AI does not know something, it will make up information or “hallucinate”. New scholars may not understand the appropriate use of this technology. Think about adding AI language to your syllabus. Remind your students that if you learn by AI, you will be replaced by AI. You will only know what AI knows.
- Revisiting our Teaching and Assessment. Natural language processing technology use means we need to revisit our assessments and how students meet our student learning outcomes. Ohio State University has a great website that summarizes the abilities and challenges of AI use in instruction. As you are thinking about your assessments, keep these things in mind.
- If you are worried about students cheating with AI, flip the script. Use an AI tool to create a paper and have your students analyze it either individually or in a group. Help students see the issues using AI.
- Focus more on the process, not just the final product. Ask students to show their work and outline their thinking. Use multilayered assignments that focus on higher order skills. Ask them to identify their assumptions, evaluate different perspectives, and question their own biases.
- AI can’t have relationships with students. That is an important element that only instructors and their classmates bring to learning. Learning is social. AI has no understanding of what it’s like to be a learner. Prioritize community building in your class.
- Keep in mind where AI struggles – reflecting on learning, cultural/equity dimensions, understanding biases in language and higher-level application of concepts.
- If you need assistance rethinking one or more assessments in your course, feel free to reach out to the UTLC to schedule a consultation.