Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI encompasses a wide range of techniques and technologies for performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual recognition, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
For Faculty
AI is not a replacement for tasks, but rather a tool for assisting in them. AI can help in the following ways:
- Enhance teaching effectiveness. AI can provide personalized learning experiences and instant feedback. TopHat has recently incorporated AI tools to assist in the creation of content.
- Improve student outcomes. In certain educational tools, AI can help identify students who need additional support and tailor interventions.
- Streamline administrative tasks. AI can assist in course creation, scheduling, research, and data visualization. We know of some instructors who have used AI to facilitate the course recertification process, outline letters of recommendation, generate questions on content associated with the various levels of Bloom’s, and generate data visuals.
- Stay at the forefront of educational innovation. The AI landscape is changing daily. By using and understanding AI, faculty remain current with technological advancements.
For Students
With the exponential growth within AI, fluency in AI is becoming an expected skill set in many of today’s careers. Getting firsthand experience with AI as a tool could help prepare students for their careers. While AI is a useful tool, it’s essential to help students consider the balance of its assistance with their own critical thinking and efforts, including in the following ways:
- Providing 24/7 feedback. AI tools can offer continuous support and suggestions. One of our courses gives students prompts to insert into AI tools to collect specific feedback on assignments.
- Enhancing accessibility. AI can cater to different languages, perspectives, and modes for learning.
- Preparing for future careers. Many jobs now require some experience with AI. Using AI in different contexts can give students a broader knowledge and skill set.
- Offering different perspectives and brainstorming ideas. AI can help students to generate and organize ideas.
- Writing assistance. AI can help brainstorm topics, provide information on a topic, and evaluate the quality of your writing. It is essential to remind students to do the actual writing themselves and not submit AI-generated essays, unless it is explicitly stated that they should do so.
- Assisting with scheduling and organization. AI can help manage tasks and deadlines.
- Generating practice problems. AI can create practice problems or questions to enhance student understanding and test their knowledge.
- Creating study materials. AI can be used to develop lecture notes, summaries, and study guides. It’s a handy tool for organizing and reinforcing learning.
Should I Use AI in my Classroom?
Using AI in Your Classroom
Imagine a classroom where students are not just listening but actively participating and exploring the subject. AI helps make this active learning possible.
The potential benefits far outweigh the negatives. By incorporating AI tools, we empower students with essential skills beyond textbooks.
- Critical Thinking. AI prompts students to analyze data, interpret results, and make informed decisions. It encourages them to question assumptions and explore alternative approaches.
- Problem Solving. Through AI-driven simulations and virtual labs, students immerse themselves in real-world scenarios. They grapple with complex problems, test hypotheses, and refine their problem-solving abilities.
- Digital Literacy. Practical application of AI and AI tools empowers learners to navigate technology effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of the digital landscape
- Ethical Considerations. Discussing AI ethics becomes essential. Students explore biases, privacy concerns, and societal impact—an integral part of their scientific education.
Not using AI
When we discuss AI with instructors, the main points of contention are academic integrity and the privacy of students' information. Some instructors believe students will use AI to cheat or to game the system. Often, tools that are used to detect AI generate false positives. Additionally, by not allowing AI tools in your course, you also help ensure the privacy of your students’ information. However, Penn State has reviewed and approved certain tools with this in mind.
Another consideration of instructors is that allowing AI in the classroom may lead some students to over-rely on these tools, hindering their development of essential skills. So, many instructors will consider not allowing its use. It is crucial to understand AI and make an informed decision about its use in your classroom. Be sure to transparently communicate the role of AI in your course to students and that AI is an aid in the course, not a replacement.
University Policy
Penn State has created a guidelines page that provides a summary of AI and its use at Penn State including:
- General Guidance. Penn State encourages the safe use of generative AI tools, emphasizing compliance with laws like FERPA, HIPAA, and GLBA, and the importance of verifying AI output for accuracy and bias.
- Accessibility Considerations. AI tools must undergo an accessibility review before use in group settings to ensure compliance with policy AD69.
- AI Tools and Platforms. The guidelines page lists various AI tools and platforms available for different levels of information sensitivity, including Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI, Amazon Bedrock, and Google Vertex AI.
- Ethical Considerations. Regular reviews of ethical considerations, regulations, and guidelines are necessary due to the evolving nature of AI.
Syllabus Statement Examples
Syllabus statements on AI are important because they help clarify guidelines for students and instructional staff. These guidelines address how and when students can engage with generative text–based AI tools. The evolving capabilities of AI systems blur boundaries between learning tasks and potential misrepresentation.
For example, you can help foster ethical use by emphasizing that students can collaborate with AI for brainstorming, feedback, and revision, but cannot submit AI-generated work as their own. These statements also highlight the importance of understanding AI biases, inaccuracies, and potential harm. Crafting clear guidelines ensures responsible and effective AI integration in academic settings.
View some sample syllabus statements.
AI Resources
The following are a few helpful resources for integrating AI in your teaching:
