Like it or not, generative A.I. is a disrupter in the learning space. In particular, we know that many of our traditional writing-based assignments and assessments are no longer viable because students can complete them too easily using A.I.

Venn diagram about effective teaching

SOURCE: https://trefnycenter.mines.edu/effective-teaching-and-generative-ai/

 

None of us are satisfied to punish students who “cheat” with A.I. or to replace all writing with A.I. prompt engineering. We know we need to re-examine our outcomes and practices to continue to help students gain the content knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the new A.I. world. We know we need to redesign some of our assignments. But, yeah, it’s a lot!

 

Here are two resources to help you think through changes for next year. The links from the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Michigan have do-now suggestions for assignments and assessments. See the “Near-term Guidance for Instructors” section in the U-M report.

 

 

 

I also encourage you to read Nicco Pandolfi’s article Do the “Cite” Thing Part II  about how A.I. necessitates discussions with students about the “chain of human scholarship” that is foundational for our disciplines. Nicco is, as always, a thoughtful and insightful guide.

 

Finally, keep an eye on the Center for Teaching and Learning site, where we will continue to post resources. Look for more targeted A.I. workshops at the beginning of fall semester. We welcome suggestions on workshop topics for helping you adapt to A.I.