Faculty ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the potential of generative AI

Faculty members are learning that generative AI tools are capable of many things: writing essays and emails, customizing lessons and learning, even creating seemingly original art, like this impressionistic painting of a laptop. Illustration created by Melody Warnick using AI.

Faculty are considering how AI models such as ChatGPT can customize learning by producing dynamic case studies or offering instant feedback or follow-up questions. Many are making AI the subject of assignments. They’re asking students to analyze and identify weaknesses in arguments produced by ChatGPT, for instance, or to edit an AI-produced essay with “track changes” on.

That kind of critical thinking about generative AI is vital, said Ismini Lourentzou, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Engineering and core faculty at the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. “It’s our responsibility as educators to teach students how to use these tools responsibly, and then understand the limitations of these tools.” Read the full story here.