AI is a complex and ever-changing element of high education and teaching, especially when it comes to online courses. Today’s blog focuses on several strategies for developing AI-resistant assessments and increasing student motivation for online coursework. Whether you are revising assessments to discourage AI use or simply interested in learning more about strategies to helps students authentically engage in online coursework, today’s blog is a great place to start.
Approaches to AI in your Course
Clemson instructors are encouraged to develop AI policies for their courses that are clear and share these policies with students. As an instructor, you can determine the level of AI usage you would like in your course, ranging from no AI, to AI collaboration, to full AI, to exploratory AI use. Reflecting on the scale of AI use in your course is an important first step to developing a clear policy and can impact students’ behavior.
Some faculty have found that trying to “catch” AI misuse in their courses can feel like policing students. Taking a policing approach can be risky – it can raise the stress level of both you and your students, create an an antagonistic learning enviornment, and feel like a waste of teaching time.
A better approach to lessening the likelihood of misuse in your courses is to design AI-resistant assignments. AI-resistant assignments require critical thinking and creativity from students. Placing your focus on process instead of just the product can be helpful in this approach. Reflection is also a key tool. Require that your students explain the process they used to get to the answer, instead of just requiring an answer. Building authentic assignments that mirroring real-world actions can also help resist the use of AI and foster a positive learning behavior.
Increasing Student Motivation
The Community of Inquiry Framework emphasizes the importance of relationships in online learning communities. A key part of building community online is establishing your presence as an instructor. No matter what mode of teaching you are in, you should have an approachable and available presence in the course. This can go a long way in developing a proper relationship with your students. A strong instructor presence can also support conversations about potential AI-misuse in the course. You should also encourage students to develop their own relationships with their peers and with the course content to increase connection and motivation.
Regardless of your specific AI policies, it is also important to discuss AI with students. Your students may be curious about AI even if they are not actively using it in their assignments. They are likely considering and seeking guidance on what AI can do and the impact it might have on future careers in your field. It is important for students to grasp how AI could shape their career paths and the overall job market.
AI Resistant Resources
If you want to learn more, watch the full training here! You can also learn more through our COFFEE AI course.
If you have any questions, schedule a consultation with ODLT!
ODLT – Upcoming Events
Workshop Wednesday: Making Your Canvas Course Beautiful
September 23rd, 1:30-2:30 pm
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist
This workshop will cover simple strategies and handy templates you can use to make your Canvas pages and assessments consistent and effective. Specifically, this workshop will cover using icons, buttons, banners, and customizable page and assessment templates to make your Canvas course look inviting and clear.
Register here for Workshop Wednesday!
Quick Hits: Getting Started with New Quizzes
October 1st, 3-4 pm
Facilitated by Gray Jackson, Sr. Learning Tech.
This quick hit will cover getting started with New Quizzes in Canvas. Participants will learn how to build questions in New Quizzes, use item banks, and navigate the tool efficiently.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
Office of Digital Learning and Technology – Where Tech and Teaching Meet
