Teaching with intelligence: Generative AI in the Classroom

What is Generative AI?

Robot Teacher, created by Adobe AI Image Generator

When prompted with “write a 100 word response to what is Generative AI?” the output of one AI tool, ChatGPT, was:

“Generative AI refers to systems that produce new content or data resembling what humans might create. It operates through complex algorithms, leveraging vast datasets to generate outputs autonomously. These systems encompass various techniques, including neural networks and machine learning models, enabling them to comprehend patterns and create original content across multiple domains, such as text, images, and music. Generative AI’s capabilities extend to natural language processing, image synthesis, and even the production of art. Its evolution empowers innovative applications in diverse fields, shaping the future of technology, creativity, and problem-solving through the generation of novel and realistic outputs.” 

– OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Jan. 3 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat 

Past Events at SPS

Faculty Forum on Generative AI in the CUNY SPS Classroom
Facilitators: Richard Schumaker and Kate Moss

Organized and sponsored by the OFDIT Faculty Advisory Board, this discussion will focus on your experiences as faculty with generative AI (such as ChatGPT, Bard, and DALL-E2) in CUNY SPS classrooms. There have already been a number of informational and how-to sessions both CUNY-wide and at SPS about generative AI, so our focus in this session will be on the AI policies, experiences, questions, and needs of our faculty.

In this one-hour interactive session, we would like to acknowledge the wide range of approaches faculty are already taking with generative AI. You will be invited to share your class AI policies (if any), to share your experiences with using generative AI in your 2023-24 classes, and to share your questions and support needs with generative AI going forward.

Depending on the number of participants, this forum may include participation in discipline-specific breakout rooms where faculty can articulate their questions, concerns, and suggestions.

Decoding Generative AI: A Guide to the Fundamentals

Looking for clarity on generative AI in education? Join this session to understand the definition of generative AI and explore its present influence on the classroom environment. Delve into common concerns and approaches associated with this technology, discover some ways in which faculty and staff leverage generative AI, and learn about the latest updates in this rapidly-growing field. Open to faculty, staff, and students

AI, Experiential Learning and Job Skill Development

Join this session to discover how to use Generative AI tools to help brainstorm ways to enhance job skill development with experiential learning opportunities.  Starting with a general AI overview, presenters will diagnose what makes for effective AI prompts.  A thoughtful, engineered prompt will mean a better AI output. Using this skill, the presenters will brainstorm achievable experiential learning project opportunities and develop current and future skill sets that are highly desirable to future employers.  Ethical and equity considerations will round out the discussion. Open to faculty and staff.  Presented by CUNY Career Success Fellows: Dr. Joseph Foy, Associate Director, Online Business Programs & Dr. Isabelle Elisha, Associate Director, Psychology

Let’s Talk AI: Student Roundtable 

Join our panel discussion about SPS students’ experiences with generative AI tools in their learning. Learn about some ways students might leverage generative AI, and their motivations and concerns. Understand student perspectives on the support and resources necessary for an optimal learning experience that acknowledges the presence of generative AI.

Events Around CUNY

CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy – Generative AI Series

This series is a monthly, free, one-hour summit of CUNY faculty and staff devoted to sharing innovative teaching strategies and student-centered learning methods.  Save the dates below, more details to come:

  • Friday, February 16, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM ET
    Generative AI Series: Teaching and Learning about and with AI: Discipline-Specific Ideas (Registration is now closed)
  • Friday, March 8, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM ET
    Generative AI Series: Using AI Collaboratively with Students: UDL, Open Pedagogy, and Student Motivation (Registration opens February 8)
  • Friday, April 12, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM ET
    Generative AI Series: Equipping Students with Humanistic Skills in the Age of AI: From Classrooms to Careers and Beyond (Registration opens March 14)

Save the date!  Check the CUNY Innovative Teaching Academy site for details.

Generative AI Resources 

A collection of links vetted by the OFDIT Team: