Overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines or applications to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This page introduces the fundamentals of Generative AI (a subset of AI) to instructors and provides strategies for using it in the classroom.

Getting Started

AI technologies have been quietly shaping our daily lives for years before the recent surge in attention. Applications such as spam filters in email inboxes, GPS navigation systems, Siri, Alexa, and Grammarly are all powered by AI. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI a subset of AI) like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini can generate human-like responses in the form of text, images, graphics, videos, or music. Learn more about Generative AI in Higher Education.

Universal Design/Accessibility

• AI and Accessibility from the Center for Teaching Innovation, Cornell University
• Introducing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Artificial Intelligence from Literacy Link South Central (LLSC), QUILL Network, and Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA)

Best Practices

• State your GenAI usage expectations and be transparent: In your course syllabus, be upfront with your students about using GenAI in course activities, assignments, and assessments. Explain its capabilities and limitations, emphasizing that it's a tool, not a replacement for human thought and creativity.
• Integrate GenAI thoughtfully: Select tools that align with your learning objectives. Pedagogy First, Technology Second The learners and the learning process should be at the center of decision-making when incorporating GenAI.
• Integrate GenAI as a tool, not a replacement: Use GenAI to enhance your teaching methods rather than replace traditional practices. For example, use GenAI to help you generate ideas for activities like scenarios, authentic assessments, and simulations to promote engagement.
• Teach critical evaluation skills: Help students develop the ability to assess GenAI-generated content critically. Educate students about the ethical use, fact-checking, and verifying information, and emphasize the importance of originality and proper citation. Encourage students to use AI content as a learning aid rather than a shortcut.
• Maintain human interaction: Balance the use of GenAI with meaningful human interaction. The value of personal engagement, mentorship, and collaborative learning should remain central to the educational experience.

Learn More/How To's

• High-Impact Practices
• Teaching and Learning with Generative AI
• Professional Development Opportunities to Learn about AI
• Introduction to AI for Teachers and Students (10:16 mins) by Ethan Mollick & Lilach Mollick 
• What are the tools to catch students cheating with GenAI? (7:48 mins) by Dr. Olson & Haney-Withrow.
• Blackboard Ultra AI Design Assistant
• Exploring the AI Design Assistant in Blackboard Ultra

FAQs

• Coming Soon!

Use Cases

• AI in Assignment Design from the Center for Teaching Innovation, Cornell University
• How to implement the use of AI in Maths course? (Haney-Withrow & Olson)
• What is the best use of GenAI in the classroom? (Haney-Withrow & Olson)