Category Archives: Emerging Technology

Navigating AI: Panel Discussion Summary and Key Insights

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On November 15th, the LTC and LEARN Center hosted a panel discussion bringing together campus community members with different levels of generative AI experience across diverse academic backgrounds to discuss the burgeoning role of AI in academia. Here are five key takeaways that emerged from the dialogue:

  1. A Multifaceted Tool: AI is not just a buzzword; it is a versatile tool. From assisting in graduate research to finding its place in social media, AI’s applications are as varied as they are impactful. It’s redefining fields like geography through GIS, enhancing audio/video production, and offering new perspectives in humanities.
  2. Upholding Academic Integrity: In an AI-enhanced education landscape, the emphasis remains on academic integrity and critical thinking. It’s imperative that students and educators understand how to use AI ethically, ensuring it complements rather than compromises the learning process.
  3. Balancing Benefits and Challenges: While AI brings efficiency to tasks such as literature reviews, it also poses challenges, particularly in the realm of misinformation. The panel underscored the importance of using generative AI judiciously, especially in sensitive areas like election information.
  4. Reshaping Education and Skills: AI’s influence extends to teaching methodologies and the skills needed in the modern workforce. The conversation touched on the need for adaptive learning strategies to bridge the digital divide, adhere to ethical standards, and prepare students for an AI-driven future.
  5. Institutional Responsibility and Ethical AI: Finally, the panel urged UWW to lead in integrating generative AI into academia responsibly. This involves safeguarding student privacy, ensuring equitable access to generative AI resources, and fostering an environment where ethical use of generative AI is standard practice.

As we continue to explore the vast potential of AI, these insights from our expert panel offer a roadmap for integrating AI into our academic practices. The LTC and LEARN Center are committed to embracing this technological wave with responsibility and foresight, ensuring that our faculty, staff, and students are well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-influenced world. Questions or suggestions? Email the LTC!

Miss the discussion? Catch the recording here.

Awareness and Detection of AI Workshop – Encore with Updates!

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Navigate Generative AI with Confidence Before Finals Week!

The advent of generative AI has reshaped the educational landscape, merging the once-clear boundaries between student-crafted assignments and machine-generated content. In this new era, an educator’s role transcends imparting knowledge—it now includes mastering the intricacies of these sophisticated tools. Recognizing this essential need, the Learning and Teaching Center (LTC) cordially invites you to an encore presentation of, “Awareness and Detection of AI”, just in time for finals week! This workshop will equip you with the skills to discern between student ingenuity and generative AI’s craftiness while also fostering a culture of transparency and informed use of generative AI in coursework. 

What Will Be Covered:

  • Insights into the detection capabilities and limitations of generative AI in education and how to leverage campus supported tools
  • Strategies for setting clear guidelines on generative AI use in student work
  • Constructive approaches to encourage students to use generative AI as a learning aid, not a shortcut

Workshop Details:

  • Date: November 29th, 2023
  • Time: 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: McGraw 19a or via Webex
Register!

Unable to Attend?: Learn from our past session how to adeptly navigate the academic challenges posed by AI. Click this link for a recap. And continue to check the LTC blog for updates!

Campus Wide AI Panel November 15th – Register Now!

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Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education

The world around us is changing, and so is the landscape of education! The Learning Technology Center (LTC) and the LEARN Center are thrilled to extend an invitation to all Warhawks to be part of an engaging discussion on the transformative power of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education.

Event Details

Date: November 15th, 2023
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Hybrid Event – UC 261 or Virtually via Webex
Participants: Open to All on Campus!

Why Attend?

Generative AI is not just a buzzword; it is a revolutionary force in the educational sector. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a forward-thinking educator, or a student navigating through the waves of digital transformation, this panel discussion is tailor-made for you!

  • Learn from the Experts: Engage with a dynamic panel of instructors and students who are already navigating the world of generative AI. Gain insights into how AI is reshaping classroom interactions, uncover potential applications and disruptions, and peek into the future of education.
  • Direct Engagement: Ever had a question about AI but did not know who to ask? Our Open Q&A Forum is your chance! Interact directly with the panelists, get your questions answered, and dive deeper into the world of AI.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect, converse, and network with like-minded individuals who share your curiosity, caution, or passion for AI and education.

Be Part of the Conversation

Ready to be part of the conversation? Click the link below to register and secure your spot, whether in person or virtually. 

Register Here!

Spread the Word

The LTC and LEARN Center cannot wait to welcome you to an afternoon filled with insightful discussions, engaging interactions, and a deep dive into the future of AI in education.

RSVP today and invite your friends and colleagues. Let’s explore the transformative world of generative AI together!

Use Cases and Opportunities for AI Workshop Summary

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On behalf of the LTC, thank you to all the participants of our Use Cases and Opportunities for AI! If you were unable to attend the session, a summary is below:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Generative AI has numerous applications across higher education; a small excerpt of examples includes summarizing texts, creating study guides, providing personalized tutoring, and generating student feedback. 
  2. Prompts are but a starting point. Be as specific as possible in your query and customize it as needed to suit your objective. Modify and iterate! 
  3. Optimal utilization of generative AI involves hands-on exploration. Given the highly individualized nature of job requirements and responsibilities, you are in the best position to discern how AI can be effectively harnessed for your specific role.

Supplemental Resources:

  1. Presentation Slide Deck
  2. Workshop Recording
  3. AI for Education – Prompt Library
  4. Ethan Mollick on Encoding Human Expertise 

Save the Date! The LTC is hosting “Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education” on November 15th at 3pm – more information available here.

Ethics and Limitations of AI Workshop Summary

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Newsweek editors asked AI to generate images of itself as a “giant tentacled monster with many eyes destroying New York.” Example by Bruce Sterling. (July 7, 2023)

Thank you to all the attendees of our workshop, “Ethics and Limitations of AI”! If you were unable to attend, we have provided a summary below:

Key Takeaways:

  • Responsible generative AI literacy inside and out of the classroom includes a consideration of the ethical concerns. With a rush of generative AI platforms’ products, companies are looking to monetize, with minor regard for public privacy, safety, or access.
  • “Degenerative” AI is a real problem. In a world where volumes of content can be produced in seconds, it will be difficult to discern human-creation from AI-creation, and with it, a loss of the creative process. An implicit underlying thesis of generative AI is that one can only derive enjoyment from the consumption of content, not the production.
  • Federal legislative action has slowly begun; both the White House and Congress have begun work on guardrails for the responsible development of AI, with a primary focus on safety, security and trust. 
  • The majority of ethical concerns surrounding AI can be categorized into a four part framework: privacy, equity, transparency, and accountability.

Supplemental Resources:

  1. Presentation Slide Deck
  2. Workshop Recording
  3. White House AI Response 
  4. Degenerative AI – Mike Trigg

Save the Date! The LTC is hosting “Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education” on November 15th at 3pm – open to all! – more information available here.

Incorporating AI into Assessments Workshop Summary

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Javaid et al., 2023 – Unlocking the opportunities through ChatGPT Tool towards ameliorating the education system.

The LTC would like to thank all the attendees of our Incorporating AI in Assessments workshops! In case you were unable to attend our sessions, we have provided a summary below:

Key Takeaways:

  1. Utilizing AI in building assessments can save time and effort, allowing instructors to focus on other aspects of teaching and learning.
  2. Use AI to generate a wide range of responses based on different prompts and criteria, allowing instructors to test potential responses or create more varied and engaging assessments that can be tailored to the needs of individual students.
  3. AI can identify patterns, themes, and other characteristics in students’ writing that can provide insights into their writing style, language proficiency, and overall academic performance.
  4. Instructors can customize assignments through AI by including learning objectives, creating a rubric, providing resources, and reviewing and revising the assignment.
  5. Harness the creativity of AI – try it for discussion topics, essay topics, and quiz prompts that are personalized to students’ interests and backgrounds.

Supplemental Resources

  1. Presentation Slide Deck
  2. Workshop Recording
  3. Prompt Examples
  4. AI For Education – Prompt Library 

Additional LTC Workshops

Use Cases and Opportunities for AI

  • Wednesday, October 18; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

 Ethics and Limitations of AI

  • Wednesday, October 25; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

For full descriptions of each workshop, please visit our previous post.

Navigating AI: Panel Discussion on Implications for Higher Education

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Students listen to panelists in the University Center’s Old Main Ballroom. (UW-Whitewater/Nick Pook)

The LTC and LEARN Center excitedly invite all members of the campus community to a stimulating and meaningful panel discussion on the ever-evolving world of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). This event is an opportunity for networking, learning, and gaining a deeper understanding of generative AI’s role in our rapidly changing world. Whether you are a student interested in AI’s capabilities, a faculty member exploring its pedagogical potential, or simply curious, this panel discussion is for all!

Date: November 15th, 2023

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 

Location: Hybrid: University Center Room 261, Whitewater Campus or Webex 

Participants: Open to Campus! 

Event Highlights:

Instructor and Student Panel (60 minutes):

  • Hear a panel of instructors and students discuss their experiences and perspectives on generative AI, with a focus on how it has impacted their interactions in the classroom, potential applications and disruptions, and implications for the future of education.   

Open Q&A Forum (30 minutes):

  • An interactive discussion where you can ask your burning questions to our panelists. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with AI experts and enthusiasts!

Mark your calendars and join us for an enlightening afternoon! The LTC and LEARN Center look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event! Registration and Webex information here!

AI Awareness and Detection Workshop Summary

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Thank you for attending our AI Detection and Awareness workshops! We now offer a Turnitin AI detection tool for all campus instructors. Please note that while other options exist, our support will be focused on Turnitin.

Key Takeaways

Clearly Define AI Use for Your Students

  • It’s essential to communicate your expectations regarding AI usage with your students.
  • Recognize that the definition of “cheating” can vary among instructors and courses.
  • Consider AI as a potential educational resource rather than a threat. For example, consider using AI as a possible tutor or study aid.
  • Make sure to incorporate accessible AI policies within your syllabus.

Adapting Assignments for an AI-Integrated Environment

  • Encourage students to reflect personally as they interact with AI tools.
  • Request students to provide documentary artifacts such as outlines, rough drafts, and bibliographies as part of their assignments.

Utilizing Turnitin in Canvas for AI Writing Detection

  • Turnitin, integrated into Canvas, offers a comprehensive AI Writing Detection feature.
  • Emphasize that all submissions through Turnitin undergo thorough AI content scanning.
  • To access the AI indicator, refer to the Similarity Report (Instructions on how to find the Similarity Report can be found here):
    • The AI indicator is not visible to students.
    • AI detection only works well with lengthy prose.
    • It may not provide reliable results for bullet points, brief responses, short essays, or poetry.
    • Currently, AI detection exclusively supports English text.
  • Remember that AI detection scores are not absolute; any concerning findings should be discussed with students.

AI Detection Technology Progress

  • Be aware that AI detection technology continually advances to catch up with generative models.
  • Follow the LTC Blog for updates!

Supplemental Resources: 

  1. Presentation Slide Deck 
  2. Recording of the Second Session
  3. UWW AI Syllabus Language Resource
  4. UWS Chapter 14 – Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures

11/6/23 Update

 UW-System OPID Webinar Series: Safeguarding Our Students, Instructors, and Universities: Privacy, Security, Copyright, and Generative AI

As generative AI expands in capabilities, questions surrounding personal privacy, copyright, and intellectual property have risen in the academic community. The University of Wisconsin System recently hosted a panel discussion bringing together three system experts to discuss these issues. Timestamps from the webinar that discuss the highlighted points are included in parentheses. 

Key Takeaways:

  • The best approach to generative AI use in the classroom is communication of expectations. A syllabus policy that clearly describes appropriate use, if permitted, will increase responsible integration and decrease confusion. (17:12, 37:52)
  • Homework or other assignments, once completed and submitted to an instructor for credit or grading, is protected under FERPA. In the context of using open source generative AI detectors, instructors should be cautious of submitting student work where privacy violations may occur. Students should be given an opportunity to consent to their work being submitted to public detection software. (14:10, 17:55) 
  • UW System is currently working to understand how generative AI intersects with our current practices and tools. They are working on reviewing policies, creating a guidance document, and researching potential enterprise solutions. (39:05)
  • Instructors can require students to sign up for accounts with ChatGPT. (7:51)

Additional LTC Workshops

Incorporating AI into your Assessments 

  • Wednesday, September 27; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid 
  • Friday, October 13; 10:15 am – 11:30 am McGraw 19A / Hybrid 

Use Cases and Opportunities for AI

  • Wednesday, October 18; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

 Ethics and Limitations of AI

  • Wednesday, October 25; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

For full descriptions of each workshop, please visit our previous post. 

Introduction to Artificial Generative Intelligence Workshop Summary

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Thank you to all who attended our Introduction to Artificial Generative Intelligence workshops! In case you missed our introductory sessions, below is a review of the critical information and resources: 

Key Takeaways

  1. AGI is a handy tool ​with the potential for both constructive and destructive applications ​
    • “Pre-trained Generative Transformer” – a predictive language model that is modeled after how we speak that can create media at scale
    • The tool is morally neutral; how we choose to employ it is the crux of the issue
      • AGI platform companies are rushing to monetize their products; expect AGI to continue to spread throughout daily life as the tools continue to be refined and improved (and eventually moved behind paywalls) 
  1. AGI has a place in the learning process through thoughtful integration ​
    • Education and regulation​ will help combat the misuse of AGI
      • Communicate course expectations and provide context to students
    • Detection option on campus: Turnitin (Canvas Integration) 
    • Privacy and security risks – any information that should not be publicly shared on the internet should not entered into any AGI platform
    • AGI offers opportunities to improve the student (and instructor!) experience
      • Equity, accessibility, and creativity

Supplemental Resources: 

  1. Presentation Slide Deck 
  2. Recording of the First Session
  3. UWW Syllabus Language Resource
  4. AI Citation Guide

Additional LTC Workshops

Awareness and Detection of AI

  • Wednesday, September 13; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid 
  • Friday, September 15; 10:15 – 11:30 am McGraw 19A / Hybrid 
  • Tuesday, September 19, 8:15 am – 9:30 am McGraw 19A / Hybrid 

Incorporating AI into your Assessments 

  • Wednesday, September 27; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid 
  • Friday, October 13; 10:15 am – 11:30 am McGraw 19A / Hybrid 

Use Cases and Opportunities for AI

  • Wednesday, October 18; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

 Ethics and Limitations of AI

  • Wednesday, October 25; 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm McGraw 19A / Hybrid

For full descriptions of each workshop, please visit our previous post.

Example Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI) Syllabus Language Resource and Detection Demonstration

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a college professor lectures in front of a projector screen on the first day of classes
Associate Professor Matthew Winden begins his business statistics class in Hyland Hall. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to supporting faculty and staff as the higher education landscape evolves in the age of AGI. Questions continue to mount regarding AGI and academic integrity, particularly with regard to detection options and classroom policies. The LTC has drafted an example of appropriate syllabus language addressing the use of AGI in assignments and other course work. The language is optional and designed to give instructors the flexibility in determining how AGI may, or may not, fit into their course. 

The sample language can be found in the AI Syllabus Resource Knowledge Base (KB) article. Additional open source syllabus language resources include Classroom Policies for AI Generative Tools and the AI Policy Hub at UC-Berkeley.

For those interested in an AGI detection demonstration, IT Services’ annual Technology Open House on August 30th (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in McGraw Hall), will feature an overview of the Turnitin detection software built into Canvas at 3:15 p.m. Other offerings include a general AI demonstration at 2:45 p.m. and a wide range of helpful technology resources on many topics throughout the afternoon. (Plus free food and prizes!) 

The LTC is also hosting a series of workshops over the fall semester, including one on AI Detection and Awareness. 

If you have any other AGI-related inquiries, or would like a personal or group consultation related to AGI, please contact the Learning Technology Center.