Navigating Generative AI Use in the Classroom
In the classroom, questions about the use of generative AI remain prevalent, especially among faculty members. In a recent session titled “Driving Instructional Value with Practical Generative AI Implementation,” representatives from the University of Texas at Austin shared insights on their collaboration with Grammarly to develop a faculty toolkit containing lesson plans and activities that incorporate AI into teaching and learning.
Julie Schell, assistant vice provost of academic technology at UTA, delved into the complexities associated with using AI in educational settings. Initially, UT Austin prohibited the use of AI detection software when ChatGPT was introduced, citing concerns related to the university’s academic honor code. However, Schell highlighted the importance of students understanding how to utilize AI ethically while navigating the ambiguities surrounding its use in the future.
LEARN MORE: Explore the university’s AI use policy.
Schell emphasized, “It’s crucial for students to recognize that they possess unique expertise, experience, ethics, and creativity that surpass generative AI capabilities.”
As UT Austin partnered with Grammarly to integrate AI into their educational practices, the University’s Office of Academic Technology simultaneously developed the AI Forward – AI Responsible Framework, which outlined six critical limitations of engaging with generative AI: security and privacy, hallucinations, misalignment, bias, ethics, and cognitive offloading.
Expanding on this initiative, Academic Technology Manager Evan Daniel spearheaded the creation of the “The Faculty Guide to Getting Started With AI” toolkit in the fall of 2023. This comprehensive guide aimed to assist faculty members across various disciplines, regardless of their AI proficiency levels.
Schell noted that AI can be either transactional or transformational, enabling users to passively accept results or critically evaluate them by refining prompts. The toolkit encouraged faculty to approach generative AI with a critical mindset.
EXPLORE: Establish guidelines for using generative AI at your institution.
Daniel remarked, “A step-by-step guide is ideal for beginners, providing them with confidence and a sense of ownership over the process.”
The toolkit received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and the focus now is on encouraging faculty members to collaborate, share insights, and further enhance their AI-related practices.
Schell added, “We are developing lesson plans that prioritize pedagogy, addressing common challenges, misconceptions, and desired learning outcomes to enhance student engagement. This pedagogical approach is crucial as we scale our AI initiatives.”
Stay updated with EdTech: Focus on Higher Education’s coverage on our EDUCAUSE event page and on Twitter.
