The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

RiseOfAI

A.I. in Education

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) assisted teaching and learning, such as ChatGPT, has significantly impacted education by creating personalized learning experiences and providing valuable support for teachers. Although controversial, higher education institutions are reviewing AI tools and are working to determine how they fit the new learning and teaching experiences AI promotes and allows.

<strong>A.I. at Tarleton</strong>

The Charge 

In Spring 2023, the Provost called for voluntary participation in a Task Force on using artificial intelligence technology in academic instruction at Tarleton State University. The Task Force’s goal was to make formal recommendations on the utilization of generative AI technology and large language models in both academic education and student coursework and submit the final report to the Provost in Fall 2023.

AI Task Force Objectives

  1. Gather stakeholder feedback from various divisions within the university.
  2. Survey the current state of AI technology and its implications in academic instruction.
  3. Assess national best practices in AI usage within academia.
  4. Make formal recommendations on AI technology utilization in academic instruction and student coursework.
  5. Provide a final report to the Provost in Fall 2023.

The Report

  • The Provost’s Generative AI Executive Summary
  • The Provost’s Generative AI Task Force Full Report
  • Syllabus Policy Requirements

    <strong>A.I. Learning Community</strong>

    A.I. Learning Community

    This A.I. Faculty Learning Community will explore and discuss the use and impact of AI Tools like ChatGPT on teaching and learning. This community is hosted online in a Canvas course, and is open to interested faculty, regardless of their level of prior experience. To join, email: [email protected]

    Discussion Leaders

    1. Dr. Dennis Jones, Professor of Computer Information Systems, whose scholarship has revolved around the use of technology in the teaching and learning process.
    2. Dr. Thejas Gubbi Sadashiva, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, who has produced research papers in top conferences and journals and has served as a mentor and resource person in the National Science Foundation (NSF) supported program Research Experience for Teachers (RET). The community is a valuable opportunity to engage with experts in the field and explore the potential of AI tools in teaching and learning. Don’t miss out on this exciting learning opportunity.
    <strong>A.I. Educational Tools</strong>

    A.I. Educational Tools

    By utilizing AI tools that facilitate adaptive learning, educators can better identify gaps in understanding and present content tailored to individual needs, promoting a more comprehensive and effective learning environment. Moreover, AI-driven platforms like Thinkster Math and Brainly encourage collaborative problem-solving and foster community among learners.

    AI has also facilitated the development of advanced learning analytics, enabling educators to track students’ progress in real-time and offer targeted feedback, as seen with platforms like Knewton. Furthermore, AI-powered language learning applications, such as Duolingo, have revolutionized how people learn new languages by offering personalized, engaging, and gamified experiences. The integration of AI in education has accelerated the learning process and paved the way for more equitable access to quality education, bridging gaps between students with different backgrounds and learning abilities. As AI advances, its potential to revolutionize the teaching and learning landscape is boundless.

    List of AI Tools available for teaching and learning:

    • ALEKS – ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is an AI-based adaptive learning platform that covers a wide range of subjects, from K-12 to higher education. It uses AI to assess student knowledge, identify gaps, and recommend personalized learning paths.
    • Brainly – Brainly is a social learning network that uses AI to connect students with subject matter experts, fostering a sense of community and collaborative problem-solving.
    • Carnegie Learning’s MATHia – MATHia is an AI-driven math learning platform that offers personalized learning experiences. It identifies individual student needs, adjusting content and pacing accordingly, while providing real-time feedback and targeted hints.
    • Cogni – Cognii’s AI-powered Virtual Learning Assistant engages students in natural language conversations, providing instant feedback on their open-response answers. It supports formative assessments, tutoring, and content authoring in a range of subjects.
    • Duolingo – Duolingo is an AI-driven language learning application that offers learners personalized, engaging, and gamified experiences. It adapts to each user’s strengths and weaknesses, making language learning more efficient and enjoyable.
    • Grammarly – Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps students improve their writing skills by offering real-time suggestions, corrections, and grammar, punctuation, and style explanations.
    • Knewton – is an adaptive learning platform that utilizes AI to provide personalized learning experiences, analyze student performance in real time, and offer targeted feedback to optimize learning outcomes.
    • Querium’s Stepwise Virtual Tutor – This AI-guided instruction platform focuses on STEM subjects, helping students master complex concepts through personalized, step-by-step guidance, tailored feedback, and adaptive learning techniques.
    • Socrates – Socrates is an AI-driven learning platform that dynamically adjusts content to match each student’s unique learning pace and style. It supports various subjects, including math, English language arts, and science.

    <strong>A.I. Resources</strong>

    Videos

    Practical AI for Instructors and Students Part 1: Introduction (10:16)

    Practical AI for Instructors and Students Part 2: Large Language Models (10:44)

    Practical AI for Instructors and Students Part 3: Prompting AI (11:41)

    Practical AI for Instructors and Students Part 4: AI for Teachers (12:36)

    Practical AI for Instructors and Students Part 5: AI for Students (9:39)

    Six Best Practices to Address the Ethical Use of A.I. Tools (9:17)

    Tech Tool Tuesday – Instructors Beware!! (5:01)

    Links