
External
Demystifying AI: A Practical Introduction for Instructors
- Author
- Pamela L. Huntington
- Publisher
- Merced College
- Source
- LibreTexts
- License
- CC BY
- Language
- EN
- Category
- Basic Sciences
Contents· 96 sections
- 01: An Introduction to AI
- 1.01: What is a language model
- 1.1.01: How language models generate text by predicting the next word
- 1.1.02: Examples of large language models used in education (e.g. ChatGPT Bard)
- 1.1.03: How Instructors and Students Are Using Large Language Models in the Classroom
- 1.02: What does AI learn from (Basics of training data)
- 1.2.01: Overview of training data sources (books websites code etc.)
- 1.2.02: The role of data quality and quantity in shaping AI behavior
- 1.2.03: Limitations- bias outdated info and misinformation in training sets
- 1.03: The role of algorithms in prediction and content generation
- 1.3.01: What an algorithm is and how it powers AI decision-making
- 1.3.02: How AI predicts text images and more based on patterns
- 1.3.03: Key difference between rules (algorithms) and examples (training data)
- 1.04: Examples of input-output prompts (e.g. ChatGPT DALLE)
- 1.4.01: What prompts are and how wording affects output
- 1.4.02: Sample prompts for ChatGPT and DALLE across disciplines
- 1.4.03: Introduction to prompt refinement (aka prompt engineering)
- 1.05: Where AI gets it wrong- hallucinations bias outdated info
- 1.5.01: What hallucinations are and why AI makes confident errors
- 1.5.02: Common sources of bias and misinformation in outputs
- 1.5.03: Why educators should always verify AI-generated content
- 1.06: Why AI doesnt think or understand the way humans do
- 1.6.01: How AI predicts rather than understands or reasons
- 1.6.02: Differences between AI-generated language and human cognition
- 1.6.03: Implications for teaching- critical AI literacy for instructors and students
- 02: Practical AI Applications in Teaching and Learning
- 2.01: AI for Course Planning
- 2.1.01: Drafting syllabi learning outcomes and course descriptions
- 2.1.02: Generating module overviews or unit plans
- 2.1.03: Sequencing learning activities with AI assistance
- 2.02: AI for Assignment and Activity Design
- 2.2.01: Designing case studies or scenarios tailored to your course
- 2.2.02: Using AI to generate examples metaphors or analogies
- 2.03: AI for Feedback and Assessment
- 2.3.01: Drafting rubric language
- 2.3.02: Using AI to provide formative feedback (with caveats)
- 2.3.03: Reviewing student reflections or written responses for patterns
- 2.04: AI for Student Support
- 2.4.01: Suggesting writing starters or research questions
- 2.4.02: Summarizing complex readings or concepts
- 2.4.03: Translating or adapting content for multilingual learners
- 2.05: AI for Instructor Productivity
- 2.5.01: Composing announcements assignment descriptions and reminders
- 2.5.02: Drafting professional emails or recommendation letters
- 2.5.03: Organizing meeting notes or to-do lists
- 2.06: Discipline-Neutral Examples
- 2.6.01: For STEM humanities social sciences CTE and the arts
- 2.6.02: Prompts you can adapt directly for Canvas discussions or assignments
- 2.07: What to Watch Out For
- 2.7.01: When AI is helpfuland when it might backfire
- 2.7.02: Importance of verifying AI-generated content
- 2.7.03: Transparency and ethics in using AI for instruction
- 03: Teaching with AI- Boundaries Bias and Best Practices
- 3.01: AI and Academic Integrity
- 3.1.01: What counts as cheating with AI
- 3.1.02: Should instructors disclose their own AI use
- 3.1.03: Encouraging transparency in student assignments
- 3.02: Bias and Limitations in AI
- 3.2.01: How AI reflects human biases in its training data
- 3.2.02: Risks of inaccurate or misleading information
- 3.2.03: Equity concerns for marginalized student groups
- 3.03: Student Privacy and Data Security
- 3.3.01: Equity concerns for marginalized student groups
- 3.3.02: FERPA considerations
- 3.3.03: Platform privacy policies (e.g. ChatGPT Grammarly Copilot)
- 3.04: Transparency and Consent
- 3.4.01: Notifying students when AI is used in course design or grading
- 3.4.02: Inviting students to opt in out of AI-based tools or supports
- 3.05: AI and Accessibility
- 3.5.01: How AI can support UDL and learners with disabilities
- 3.5.02: Cautions about assuming AI is accessible by default
- 3.06: Frameworks and Guidelines
- 3.6.01: Sample institutional or course-level policies
- 3.6.02: Short AI use declarations instructors can adopt
- 04: Moving Forward with AI in Your Teaching
- 4.01: Recap- What You Now Know About AI
- 4.1.01: Revisit the basics practical uses and ethical considerations
- 4.1.02: Acknowledge whats still evolving
- 4.02: Your AI Teaching Toolkit
- 4.2.01: A checklist of low-barrier tools or practices to try
- 4.2.02: Questions to ask when evaluating new AI tools
- 4.03: Reflection Prompts
- 4.3.01: How might AI help you solve a persistent teaching challenge
- 4.3.02: What concerns or hopes do you have about student use of AI
- 4.3.03: Where do you feel most confidentand least confidentabout using AI
- 4.04: Start Small- Low-Risk Ways to Try AI
- 4.4.01: Drafting assignment descriptions
- 4.4.02: Using AI to brainstorm quiz questions
- 4.4.03: Co-writing announcement templates
- 4.05: Ongoing Learning
- 4.5.01: 5.5.1-
- 4.5.02: Suggested blogs videos podcasts or newsletters
- 4.5.03: Staying up-to-date with tools and policy changes
- 4.06: Final Encouragement
- 4.6.01: Theres no one right way to use AI.
- 4.6.02: Curiosity and critical thinking are your most valuable tools.