While my opinions about generative AI have evolved over time, especially in the past week, it’s fair to say that this adequately sums up my current attitude:
www.boldomatic.com
When I mention the use of generative AI to my Engineering colleagues, the most common first response is frustration and contempt. Cheating and academic misconduct almost always enter the conversation, and almost immediately (understandably so!). However, two colleagues have the mind-set that students will use it anyway – why not incorporate it into student assessments and use it as a teaching tool? Essentially, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. OR, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? A New York Times article last year suggested schools treat ChatGPT the same way they treat calculators – “unless students are being supervised in person with their devices stashed away, they’re probably using one”. They can be allowed for some assignments but not others, with expectations made exceptionally clear…..
I was previously skeptical with the above-mentioned colleagues, however this week’s video by Dr. Couros and associated readings have changed my thinking. After experimenting this week with ChatGPT and a few other apps, I can see opportunities to use generative AI for various administrative tasks (regarding my compressed gas safety course), for my students to use AI as part of their learning, and for ongoing continuous improvement of the course.
Perhaps the biggest shock I encountered with ChatGPT is how easily it could do some of my usual tasks….initially happy shock, and then a bit of concern to be honest!
www.boredpanda.com
While experimenting (aka playing) with generative AI this week and preparing this blog post, I referred to the following videos which may be of use to others:
ChatGPT 101 for Teachers: A Beginner’s Tutorial
Advanced ChatGPT Guide for Teachers
50 Ways Teachers can use ChatGPT to Save Time
(This will be another long blog post – see the rest here!)
Hi Lauren, I appreciate your ideas on AI. My perspective has also changed due to Dr. Couros’ observations and afterward AI experiments, which have shown the technology’s promise for administrative work, student learning, and course enhancement. You also mentioned the Beginner tutorial for teachers and I like this thing.
Thanks