Instructors should recognize that learners will live in a future that will integrate generative AI in a myriad of ways. They should equip learners for the challenges and opportunities that they will face by teaching them how to use these tools as collaborators to enhance their productivity and creativity.
Applicable Principles (the why)
Complementing Creativity
- Learners should use AI to build on their own original, creative ideas, rather than replace them.
Keeping Humans in an Active Role
- Instructors and learners should balance AI and Human work.
- Instructors should facilitate learning with AI.
Practical Application (the what)
Both instructors and learners can benefit from using these technologies as collaboration tools to enhance creativity, innovation and productivity. By leveraging AI tools learners can create customized study materials that help to simplify complex concepts, generate concise summaries, and provide in-depth explanations tailored to their learning pace and style. Generative AI can also assist in the writing process, offering creative ideas, structuring outlines, and suggesting improvements in grammar and style. For tackling challenging problems, AI can present various problem-solving strategies, breaking down intricate questions into more understandable parts and identifying gaps in existing knowledge.
Similarly, instructors will find generative AI tools helpful with some of the routine tasks they encounter. These tools can help to craft effective discussion prompts and assist in the creation of self-assessment quizzes. When tasked with creating a new course, generative AI can help with everything from the initial course outline to sequencing and scheduling content over the duration of the term. In the near future, these technologies will help instructors provide more efficient and timely feedback on student work.
Resources
Best Practices
Foster Human / AI Collaboration