AI in Teaching and Learning
Overview
#ChatGPT
Our guess is that your inbox has been quite busy lately with pings related to ChatGPT. Any time a new technology gains prominence it impacts teaching and learning. ChatGPT (and generative artificial intelligence in general) is certainly no different, and we all have questions related to what now?
The Office of the Provost is collaborating with the Teaching and Learning Commons, the Office of Academic Integrity, and members of the University faculty in the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Taskforce* to explore the implications these emerging technologies may have for University policies, procedures, and practices.
While the taskforce does its work, we want to offer interim resources instructors can consult to educate themselves and think about the potential impact of these technologies. As the TLC continually promotes, good course design and course delivery practices can help alleviate concerns related to the (mis)use of any resource. For example, it’s best to make expectations explicitly clear to students and to vary the types of assessments utilized whenever possible. Likewise, asking students to reflect upon and apply new skills in unique/subjective ways can positively position tools (like ChatGPT) while helping students see more personal relevance in their learning. Keep in mind that skills like innovation, reflection, and critical thinking are not easily demonstrated using AI, but such technology advances can be leveraged to help in the learning process. Here are some specific resources related to generative AI that you may find useful:
- Our colleagues in Eberly had an informative panel discussion titled “ChatGPT
and Teaching” hosted by Scott Davidson, the Director for Programs in Bachelor
of Integrated Studies, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Regents Bachelor
of Arts.
Watch Panel Discussion Video - Similarly, the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning at Yale hosted a panel discussion on “Artificial Intelligence and Teaching: A Community Conversation.” They have bundled that recording with some general guidance on AI.
- Educause released an eye-opening QuickPoll exploring how familiar educators were with generative AI and what the general sentiments on it were: EDUCAUSE QuickPoll Results: Did ChatGPT Write This Report?
Is artificial intelligence a good thing?
Well, according to ChatGPT:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a good thing, as it can bring about many benefits to society, such as:
- Efficiency and productivity: AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and complex work.
- Improved decision making: AI can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns and insights that humans may miss, leading to more informed decision-making.
- Personalization: AI can personalize experiences for individuals, such as recommending products or services based on their preferences and behavior.
- Healthcare advancements: AI can help doctors and researchers diagnose diseases and develop new treatments.
However, AI also has the potential to bring about negative consequences if not developed and implemented responsibly. These include:
- Job displacement: AI may replace jobs that are currently performed by humans, leading to unemployment and economic disruption.
- Bias and discrimination: AI systems can perpetuate existing biases and discrimination if not designed and tested appropriately.
- Privacy and security concerns: AI can collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and security.
- Autonomy and control: AI systems can make decisions and take actions without human intervention, raising questions about accountability and control.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a responsible and ethical manner to maximize its benefits while minimizing its risks.
WVU RESOURCES
Do you have a course assignment you’d like to discuss?
Reach out to the Teaching and Learning Commons for an instructional design consultation.
Specific questions about academic integrity policies can be sent to Director Paul Heddings at the Office of Academic Integrity.
Learn more about the Office of Academic Integrity by watching the shorter TAKE 5 video (2m 29s) or the fall 2022 webinar (51m 49s).
Resources
SPOTLIGHT
Sneak preview of Turnitin’s AI writing and ChatGPT detection capability
AI writing tools are developing at a rapid pace and so is Turnitin’s technology to detect these emerging forms of misconduct. Recently, we shared with you that we have technology that can detect AI-assisted writing and AI writing generated by tools such as ChatGPT. Today, we want to introduce you to our AI Innovation Lab to give you a first-hand glimpse of what our technology (in development) can do.
Our AI team has been working on AI-powered solutions for several years now, and now we’d like to take you along on the ride. Watch this short demo where David Adamson, an AI scientist at Turnitin and a former high school teacher, walks you through our AI writing detection capability.
Additional Resources
- Sam Altman unveils the hotly anticipated GPT-4, an AI model he says 'can pass a bar exam and score a 5 on several AP exams'
- 'An inflection point rather than a crisis': ChatGPT's implications for higher ed
- ChatGPT and Education
- Will ChatGPT Ruin or Improve Higher Education?
- Chat GPT and Good Intentions in Higher Ed
- WVU launches ChatGPT task force amid concerns over AI-assisted cheating
We will be updating this space on Fridays with additional resources, information, and points to ponder as we curate from across the teaching and learning community.
Page Notes
* The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force will investigate the implications of the ongoing development of generative AI on the academic activity of the university. The task force will update the university Academic Integrity policy to include the unethical use of generative AI and create guidelines for students on the proper use of current and future AI capabilities. It will research methods for detecting AI authorship and develop best practices in framing assessments to encourage proper use. The task force will also curate guidance for instructors on how to integrate artificial intelligence tools into their teaching and research and encourage ethical use of its capabilities.