Using AI to Create Innovative Learning Experiences

By Chris Sharp
đź“… July 19, 2021
đź•‘ Read time: 4 minute(s)
Using AI to Create Innovative Learning Experiences

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a hot topic at the University of Florida. UFIT Research Computing recently announced that their supercomputer, HiPerGator, ranks #2 in the nation among supercomputers operated by public universities in the US and serves as a powerful tool for AI and machine learning research applications. But how will AI impact your teaching? AI can make a difference in the teaching of your class at UF, from integrating the use of AI in assignments to using AI to make entirely new interactions possible! 

Using AI to Build Authentic Assessments 

In the past academic year, a Legal Psychology course taught by Dr. Brian Cahill used a chatbot developed in conjunction with me to facilitate a new and unique assignment. In this assignment students roleplayed an interaction with a chatbot that represented a legal defense counselor. After reviewing a case file, students asked the chatbot questions and used the answers to evaluate whether they would testify in a fictional case about the eyewitness accounts or police procedures. During the fall and spring semesters, over 13,000 messages were exchanged between the chatbot and students! AI allowed Dr. Cahill to create an authentic assignment that could scale up to the size of his class while still providing a sample of the work that takes place in his field. Assignments like this are just the beginning of what AI and other emerging technologies will do to transform teaching and learning at UF! 

Using AI to Increase Access and Engagement 

Courses in the Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications at UF are using chatbots to assist in case study assignments and general course questions. Students can ask a chatbot—a friendly alligator chatbot named Alli Gator—questions specific to the course and receive immediate responses.  

Let’s Brainstorm Together! 

Are you curious about how AI or other emerging technologies can have an impact on your teaching or course material? The Center for Instructional Technology and Training has instructional designers and educational technologists that would be excited to discuss your course, your goals, and to brainstorm how technology might innovate the ways that students meet your learning outcomes! Please consider reaching out to discuss your challenges or goals, even if you don’t have a solution in mind. We’d love to brainstorm with you so that you can share your knowledge and experience with your students! 

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

TagsActive Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Assessments, Education Technology, Engagement, Instructional Design, Machine Learning, Research, Teaching, Technology, UFIT