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Artificial Intelligence: AI Guide for Instructors

Using AI in Courses

The use of AI in coursework can sound like a scary thing for professors. We can easily assume that students will use AI to write their papers for them. However, AI is just another tool that students can use to cheat. As we all know, there are many avenues students can take if they're determined to cheat. Our goal as educators is to try and reach those students who are on the fence, who are insecure in their writing abilities, and who might turn to AI out of fear of getting a bad grade. Our job is to create assignments that encourage students to learn about their subject instead of simply writing a paper with perfect grammar and citations. 

AI offers additional assistance for student populations like English language learners, first-generation college students, or students who struggle with writing.

  • Reduces Stigma: Many students refrain from asking for help out of fear of what their peers might think. The option to use AI to assist with grammar can reach students who are too uncomfortable to ask for help.
  • Language Learning: AI can offer pronunciation guidance, language comprehension exercises, and vocabulary expansion, 
  • Immediate Feedback: Students can ask AI grammar questions and get an immediate answer without searching online or waiting for a response.
  • Individualised Learning: Students can work independently without worrying about time constraints or awkward interactions.
  • Contextual Assistance: AI can recognise assignment description language to determine and define the context in which the question is being asked. 
  • Confidence: Overall, AI helps students improve their overall language skills beyond just grammar and writing, which can increase self-esteem, self-respect, and overall confidence levels. 

Artificial intelligence can be used to amplify student learning and foster critical thinking. Being proactive with AI and teaching students how to use it in a way that adds to their educational experience can help prepare them for their careers and avoid misuse of it in future assignments. Here are some ways you can incorporate AI in the classroom:

  • Before showing it to your students, take time outside the classroom to ensure you understand ChatGPT and how it works. Ask questions you might ask your students to answer and see what kind of responses you get. The more complex and specific the class discussion question, the less likely AI will spit out an exact answer.
  • Have students generate an essay through ChatGPT. Then, have them write their own essay describing what ChatGPT did well with the paper, but most of the essay focuses on what ChatGPT lacks. How would the student improve the paper to fulfil the basic essay requirements? 
  • Have students come up with a general topic for an essay. Using your example, demonstrate to students different questions you can ask ChatGPT to help them narrow their topic from something broad to something concise and arguable. 
  • Focusing specifically on areas where your students struggle in your course, show them what kinds of questions you can ask ChatGPT to get the answers they need. 

AI Tools for Education and Research

ChatGPT is the most recent and highly publicised example of artificial intelligence tools relevant to educators. Other tools can create art, write literature reviews, or summarise research articles.

Capabilities of AI

AI has a lot of potential to assist both faculty and students in creating content. Below are a few examples of how to get your creative juices flowing.