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Generative Artificial Intelligence for Teaching, Research and Learning

Teaching and Learning

This section was created by Erica Bender, Assessment Specialist, Center for Educational Effectiveness.

Questions about teaching and learning and AI can be directed to CEE’s Just-In-Time Teaching page and/or request a consultation to get started. The teaching and learning experts in the Center for Educational Effectiveness are available to help instructors explore teaching strategies and construct course policies pertaining to Generative AI.

The emergence and widespread use of Generative AI has significant implications for teaching and learning in higher education. While Generative AI tools can be quite useful for personalizing learning experiences and rethinking teaching and instruction, both students and instructors should carefully consider the limitations and emerging best practices for using these tools.

 

Students

Before using Generative AI to support their learning, students should always check with their instructors to understand their particular course policies and requirements for using Generative AI. Keep in mind that policies regarding Generative AI may vary from instructor to instructor. 

There are many potential ways to explore Generative AI to support and enhance learning. A number of universities from around the world have developed guides for students getting started with Generative AI: 

Key Takeaways for Students: 
  • Generative AI should be used to support and enhance your thinking. 

  • Always be mindful of the risks and limitations of Generative AI tools. 

  • Engage with Generative AI output critically and practice information literacy. 

  • Always follow academic integrity guidelines and instructor policies regarding Generative AI. 

  • Practice proper citation practices for Generative AI use.

Instructors and Faculty

Generative AI has disrupted established teaching strategies for many instructors and led to ongoing questions about how to support and protect student learning considering students’ access to these tools. Because these are relatively new technologies, scholarly research has only just begun to explore the implications of Generative AI for teaching and learning. 

The Center for Educational Effectiveness at UC Davis provides a number of resources, events, and consultations related to Generative AI and teaching, including: 

Developing Course Policies

Many academic institutions have developed preliminary guidance for instructors to develop transparent expectations and policies regarding Generative AI in their courses: 

Exploring Generative AI and Teaching

Instructors may benefit from exploring ways to intentionally incorporate AI into their course materials and/or instructional strategies. Below are comprehensive teaching guides that explore different uses of Generative AI for teaching: 

Emerging Scholarship

As academic research on the implications of Generative AI continues to evolve, early scholarship of teaching and learning has suggested that intentional and critical use of Generative AI can support student learning and equip them with critical literacy toward these new technologies. 

Special Issues of Academic Journals

Books on Teaching and Generative AI