Artificial Intelligence is not going anywhere and continues to evolve and change the world. ChatGPT and other AI tools have transformed the landscape of teaching. Teaching and learning in a world of AI should not be intimidating. Instead of hiding from AI, embrace the changes and the adaptations that come along with new age of technology. Two weeks ago, Digital Learning Strategist Millie Tullis presented on interactive learning and AI. She discussed what AI is and how to use it as a tool in the classroom, how to maintain and create interactive learning, and best practices for teaching with this new technology.
Interactive learning means that students are active in knowledge attainment. This type of learning focuses on activities, discussions, and overall engagement. Interactive learning can be contrasted to strictly lecture based teaching; students are actually involved in the learning process with interactive learning. Anything that can stimulate the students into active learning rather than passive learning is considered interactive learning. A few popular examples of interactive learning are gamification, entry/exit tickets, written in-class assignments, and debates/role playing. Students apply or reflect on material in order to absorb it better. Out-of-class assignments can be redesigned to reinforce this interactive learning, and you can start to incorporate AI into this process.
According to Copilot, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence chatbot, “AI refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only a human could do, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, or identifying patterns. It encompasses a wide variety of technologies including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.” GPTs are free AI tools to use that are trained by language learning models. You can have a conversation and ask questions to receive a written response. They can do basic coding, basic writing, and converse like you are asking a person a question. OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Copilot are two examples of these GPTs. You may already use other AI tools in the classroom if you auto-caption videos on Kaltura or Zoom; these are machine captioning tools. For photos, “Firefly” through Adobe is an AI that can generate images based off a prompt. Adobe and Firefly are accessible through Clemson. Canva also has a magic studio using AI that can adapt and create images and graphics as well. Playing around with these tools will give you a better understanding of how they work and how you may or may not want to use them in the classroom.
First reflect on in-class and out-of-class work for your course. This is important because AI will play a different role depending on the way your class operates. Are you trying to minimize AI use out of class or do you want students to use it in the classroom? One approach is incorporating in-class assessments or more academic integrity tools to prevent the use of AI to generate answers or papers for students. This approach aims to lessen the use of AI but can disproportionately affect learners with disabilities or language barriers. Thinking too restrictively might not always be the best case for AI use; however, that doesn’t mean integrity checks like timed exams and Lockdown Browser couldn’t be helpful.
Since there is no guarantee students will not use AI outside the classroom, it is important to work with it not against it. Start by reevaluating learning outcomes and the purpose of specific assignments. AI could be used to free up students focus so that they can work on developing that specific learning outcome. Evaluate where the rigor should be placed in the assignment to identify where the use of AI could be a practical tool. For example, using AI to brainstorm or pick a topic for an assignment would help redirect focus to the learning outcome. AI could also help with research and finding sources if it is appropriate for the assignment. (If it is an assignment about research, then this would not be appropriate.) AI can also help with studying by offering tutoring or coaching for learners. For more about roles AI could play for students visit Assigning AI: Seven Ways to Use AI in class by Ethan Mollick.
If you do incorporate AI, you teach your students about it beforehand and be transparent about the purpose. If there are tasks that you don’t want students to use AI, be transparent about why it is important that they don’t cheat with AI for that specific task. Ensure that academic integrity policies with AI are clear in the syllabus; don’t leave room for students to question where and how AI is permitted in the course. Don’t use AI for the sake of using AI, only incorporate it if it is appropriate for the course. AI will continue to change, so policies and mindset will have to continue to evolve with the changes to come.
Do you plan to teach this summer? Clemson Online is proud to announce this year’s Summer teaching initiative. We have timely opportunities for instructors to gain experience in online course creation, teaching with Canvas, and the Quality Matters course improvement process.
Join this training to learn more about Canvas fundamentals! Whether you have a specific question or want a Canvas tool demonstrated, this training opportunity is your time to work with one of our Learning Technology Specialists. When registering, choose whether to have a specific topic covered, enter your question, or both.
Facilitated by our Learning Tech Team.
Registration: Quick Hits: Canvas Basics.
Modality: Virtual and synchronous—an Outlook Calendar invite, with the Zoom link, will be sent.
Join this training to learn more about Microsoft accessibility checkers! Accessibility is crucial in every class. In this training, our Accessibility Coordinator will guide you through using the helpful accessibility checker in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
Facilitated by Michelle Tuten, Accessibility Coordinator.
Registration: Workshop Wednesday: Microsoft Accessibility Checkers.
Modality: Virtual and synchronous—an Outlook Calendar invite, with the Zoom link, will be sent.
Review our Spring 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, presentations on group assignments in online courses, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet
Take online learning outside with activities that draw connections between course material and their local environment.
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Turnitin is the comprehensive tool for plagiarism detection and now has the ability to check for AI writing as well.
