By: Leslie Cramblet Alvarez
Every two years the OTL administers a needs-assessment survey to help us understand what’s on faculty members’ minds and what we need to be doing to support their growth as educators. We ask about a lot of things including ways you’d like to engage with us, what types of programs would be helpful, and importantly, topics you’d like to learn more about.
This year, not surprisingly, AI was on the top of the list for desired session topics. Because we knew this was likely to be the case, we asked some additional questions about AI to get a sense of what (albeit a small sample of) DU faculty know about AI in the classroom, how they’re using it, and what they want to learn.
If you want to see details about the sample and all the survey findings, see the report here.
Here’s what we learned
- The majority of respondents talk to their students about AI in their courses.
- Just over half either somewhat or strongly agree that they have an understanding of how AI can be used in higher education.
- Fewer faculty, under half, have used AI in their own work or ask students use AI as part of their course.
One open ended question prompted faculty to share how they’re using it. From our survey report:
Faculty expressed using AI in the classroom to help students understand the technology and mentioned including information in their syllabi to help students understand acceptable use. They also mentioned discussing with students the use of AI as an idea generator, editor, and tutor. There were also reports of using AI to assist in their own workflow including assignment and quiz generation, scheduling, developing rubrics and activities, and supporting their research productivity. Notably, there are still many faculty who reported not using or understanding the technology and ethical concerns surrounding the technology.
We also asked faculty to share about the types of support that would be helpful in addressing the use of AI in teaching and learning practices. From our survey report:
Faculty expressed desires around basic introductions to the technology including support for hands-on experimentation in addition to opportunities to think creatively. They expressed concerns around navigating academic honesty, lack of central policies, and privacy. Faculty discussed digital literacy, suggested specific sessions such as creating assignments, desires to engage via consultations and workshops as well as collections of resources and sample assignments, and opportunities to learn from one another.
Here’s what we’re doing
You may know we’re offering an AI series this fall which we’ll repeat in the winter term. Right now, we’re offering the AI series sessions both in person and virtually and we’re working on some bite-sized videos if attending in person or virtually don’t work for you. Sessions will give faculty an opportunity to learn from one another, practice using AI and think about ways to use it for their own teaching workflow, and considerations for changes to courses with AI in mind. Find all our sessions on Crimson Connect.
Want to supercharge your course planning for winter and spring? Join us in December for Designing courses for and with AI. As always, we’re available for consultations or to come and talk to your department or program.
Did you know there’s also support for using AI in your research?
If you’re interested in learning ways to use AI for your research, visit Dr. Kara Nance, Director of AI Initiatives in the AI Initiative Workspace (ECS 336). She and her team of graduate students are available to meet with faculty who are curious about how they might fit AI into their research programs and other activities. Set up an appointment or just drop by and chat. Email kara.nance@du.edu for more information.
