Teaching With Artificial Intelligence
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of creating machines that think like humans. These machines can solve complex tasks that previously required human thinking. Many AI computer systems are built to recognize patterns, make decisions, and judge like humans.
What is generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)?
Generative AI (GenAI) is created largely by chat bots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity and Scribe, wherein generative AI systems can create content, such as text, audio, images and video that may be almost indistinguishable from content that was created by humans. These systems work by employing algorithms and neural networks while being trained on large domain-specific datasets. The AI and its output are continually evaluated, and its process fine-tuned to improve its performance (Deangelis, 2018, & IBM).
AI Statements and Course Expectations
It is important to note that the choice to make use of GenAI technologies in the classroom and the specific
policies around AI usage in such contexts is generally at faculty discretions. Communicate in your syllabus
the expectations for students’ course-related uses of AI. Set tone, routines, and guidelines early in the
semester and engage students in openly discussing the opportunities and limitations of AI, as well as what
represents misuse of AI in your course or for specific assignments and activities.
University Policy and Academic Integrity
Openly communicating the University’s policy for academic integrity in your syllabus will establish expectations for your course as well as for students’ academic careers at the university. Engage in conversation around university expectations at the beginning of the term and during your course.
- UTEP currently has a guide to Academic Integrity and Scholastic Dishonesty
- For potential language to include in your syllabus, see UTEP’s sample syllabus and AI statement
- Additionally, students are required to abide by the UTEP’ s Handbook of Operating Procedures on Student Conduct and Discipline which includes academic dishonesty
Additional Sample AI Statements
• Princeton University: Guidance on AI/ChatGPT
• Yale University: Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI Tools
• The University of Texas at San Antonio: Generative AI, Teaching and Learning
Ethical Implications
Many students are already using generative AI on their own, and this will likely increase as these tools are integrated into more technologies we use regularly. When faculty members acknowledge and model ethical generative AI use, they can guide students how to effectively use these tools. Furthermore, faculty members should invest time to discuss the difference between differing opinions and fairness in contrast with biased material and responses.
At the start of the semester, highlight some of the positive uses of generative AI and some of the negatives and problems with using generative AI. Asking some guiding questions is a valuable way to engage students in a discussion about AI use and will clarify what is permissible in your course.
Make your policy on generative AI use in your course and specific assignments clear to students by integrating the expectations into your syllabus and each assignment.
Utilizing Gen AI in Classwork
There are several reasons why faculty members in higher education may consider allowing students to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their coursework:
1. Preparation for the workforce: AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in various industries. Additionally, many industries are incorporating AI technologies into their workflows. Allowing students to use AI in their coursework provides them with practical experience and exposure to the tools and prepares them for the demands of the modern workforce (The University of Texas at El Paso, 2024; Amazon Web Services and Access Partnership, 2023).
2. Enhanced problem-solving skills: AI can be a powerful tool for analyzing data, identifying patterns, and solving complex problems. Allowing students to use AI in their coursework can help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by leveraging the capabilities of these technologies. These skills are part of UTEP Edge, a framework that increases students’ confidence, enhances their personal and professional skills, and equips them with a competitive
advantage beyond graduation as they enter the workforce or pursue a graduate degree (The University of Texas at El Paso, 2024; Amazon Web Services and Access Partnership, 2023).
3. Interdisciplinary learning: AI is often used across different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, business, healthcare, and more. Allowing students to use AI encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of how AI can be applied in various fields.
4 Ethical considerations: Integrating AI into coursework provides an opportunity to discuss ethical considerations related to AI development and use. This includes issues such as bias in algorithms, intellectual property, and responses received from generative AI chatbots.
Faculty members should provide appropriate guidance and resources to ensure that students use AI responsibly and ethically. Furthermore, considerations should be made to accommodate students who may not have prior experience with generative AI tools.
Orientate Yourself with Gen AI and Possible Uses for Coursework
Experiment by submitting exam questions, essay prompts, or learning activities into a generative AI system like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexcity and Scribe. If your course centers on imagery or illustrations, experiment by submitting learning activities to DALL-E2. Consider the responses you receive and forecast how students may use Gen AI to plan, develop, or complete work in your course.
Next, review your syllabus and evaluate which activities or assessments would lend themselves to implementing the use of AI activities (if at all). Consider what you would allow or disallow as part of the activity or assignment. Finally, think about what approaches to AI use might you encourage or prohibit.
Teaching With Artificial Intelligence Academy: A Self-Paced Course
The Teaching With Artificial Intelligence Academy (TAIA) is tailored to equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into syllabi, course design, and assessment. Participants will learn how AI tools can leverage student engagement, address ethical implications, and impact student success. Additionally, participants are provided with a preview and tutorials for Blackboard’s AI Design Assistant, debuting at UTEP in June 2024.The academy is delivered 100% online and located in Blackboard. Register and contact instructionaldesign@utep.edu for more support.
References
- Amazon Web Services and Access Partnership. (2023, November). Accelerating AI skills: preparing the workforce for jobs of the future. Retrieved on May 1, 2024, from: https://assets.aboutamazon.com/e1/a0/17842ee148e8af9d55d10d75a213/aws-accelerating-ai-skills-us-en.pdf.
- Deangelis, S. F. (2018). Artificial Intelligence: How Algorithms Make Systems Smart. Wired. https://www.wired.com/insights/2014/09/artificial-intelligence-algorithms-2/.
- The University of Texas at El Paso. (2024, March 29). UTEP Edge. Retrieved on May 1, 2024, from: https://www.utep.edu/edge/.
- IBM. (n.d.) What is a neural network? https://www.ibm.com/topics/neural-networks.