Using AI in the Classroom
Overview
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard are increasingly being used by teachers and students alike. Below is a sample course-level AI policy and process that you can use. For additional information about instructional opportunities and challenges using generative AI, review guidance from UW-Madison’s Division of Teaching and Learning.
Course-Level AI (Artificial Intelligence) Policy
You may use, or be asked to use AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Bing Chat, DALL-e) and image generation tools in this course. Learning to use AI is an emerging skill and tutorials are provided on how to use them correctly. I am happy to meet and help you with these tools during office hours or after class.
You may be asked to use the “PAIR” method (Acar, 2023) and share your methods and results when using AI in this course:
Problem
- Formulate the problem. Identify the core problem, its components, and constraints.
AI
- Select suitable AI Tools. Explore and identify the most suitable generative AI tools for your problem.
Interaction
- Experiment with different ways to interact; critically evaluate outputs and integrate them to tackle the problem.
Reflection
- Reflect on the experience. Evaluate how the generative AI tool helped or hindered problem solving; reflect on your feelings when collaborating with generative AI.
Source: Acar, O. A. (June 14, 2023). Are your students ready for AI? A four-step framework to prepare learners for a ChatGPT world. Harvard Business Publishing, Education. Retrieved from https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/are-your-students-ready-for-ai
Please be aware of the limits of AI Tools:
- If you provide minimum-effort prompts, you will get low-quality results. You will need to refine your prompts to get good outcomes. This will take work.
- Don’t trust anything it says. If it gives you a number or fact, assume it is wrong unless you know the answer or can check with another source. You will be responsible for any errors or omissions provided by the tool. It works best for topics you understand.
- AI is a tool, but one that you need to acknowledge using. Please include a paragraph at the end of any assignment that uses AI explaining what you used the AI for and what prompts you used to get the results. Failure to do so is a violation of academic honesty expectations.
- Be thoughtful about when this tool is useful. Don’t use it if it isn’t appropriate for the case or circumstance.
Additional Resources
Explore these additional resources about using AI for teaching and learning. Stayed tuned for more resources to be added!
- Instructional opportunities and challenges (from the Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring)
- Sample course policy for generative AI use in assignments
- Generative AI as a Writing Tool: Tips and Cautions (from Gen Bus 360 Workplace Communication Guide)
- Schroeder, R. (July 19, 2023). Productively and Painlessly Integrating Gen AI Into Your Fall Classes (Inside HigherEd)
- Shaffer, D. W. (Sept. 6, 2023). Four things an educational psychologist wants you to know about AI in the classroom. (UW-Madison, School of Education News)
Do you have any concerns, ideas to share, other resources to suggest? Leave a comment below.