Education and Training

 

 

By creating high-tech and high-touch opportunities to discover and access artificial intelligence, our student communities will have access to new AI-focused certificates and courses, rooted in technological literacy, preparing them for an increasingly digital and interconnected 21st century workplace.

AI doesn’t change the fundamentals of our degree programs, but by implementing these courses and programs, ODU fosters a continuous learning environment to shape and upskill both students and professionals.

ODU is developing new continuing education certificates for working professionals and creating new hands-on opportunities for students (like workshops and hackathons) that help round out existing educational pathways that focus on AI literacy and practical business applications.

 

Leveraging AI in Higher Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in higher education, enhancing teaching, learning, and research practices. Here are key applications, considerations, and best practices for leveraging AI effectively in academia. 

Artificial Intelligence

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Applications of AI in Teaching

Assignment Assistance

AI can assist students in brainstorming ideas, creating outlines, and drafting essays. Use AI for initial drafts and creative prompts, but ensure the final submission is the student's own work. Prompts should be tailored to the specific subject, in order to maintain relevance.

Research Support

AI tools can summarize articles, identify relevant literature, and suggest research questions. They should complement, not replace, rigorous research practices. The use of structured research assignments, clear rubrics, and peer feedback can promote deeper engagement and authentic research.

Content Creation

Educators can use AI to develop quizzes, lecture notes, and multimedia resources. These tools can support traditional teaching methods and can enhance material retention through quick checks and reflections.

Encouraging Critical Thinking

Design activities and assessments that prompt students to critically evaluate AI-generated content. Compare AI outputs with traditional research methods to foster analytical skills. 

 

Considerations for AI in Teaching

Faculty should clearly define and communicate their expectations regarding AI use in coursework. These guidelines should be documented in the course syllabus, specifying whether AI use is restricted or permitted, with specific conditions. 

  • Brainstorming and Ideation: AI can help generate ideas and overcome writer’s block, fostering creativity. 

  • Language Assistance: Non-native speakers can benefit from AI tools for improving grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. 

  • Content Personalization: AI can tailor learning materials to individual student needs, enriching the educational experience. 

  • Administrative Efficiency: AI can allow you to automate routine tasks such as grading and organizing course materials, to save time. 

  • Plagiarism: Using AI to create entire assignments or research papers without proper attribution is unethical and violates academic integrity. 

  • Fabrication: Creating false data or research results with AI undermines the quality of academic work. 

  • Misrepresentation: Presenting AI-generated content as original student work without disclosure is dishonest. 

  • Bypassing Learning: Over-reliance on AI can impede the learning process and can prevent students from developing critical skills. 

  • Brainstorming and Ideation: AI can help generate ideas and overcome writer’s block, fostering creativity. 

  • Language Assistance: Non-native speakers can benefit from AI tools for improving grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. 

  • Content Personalization: AI can tailor learning materials to individual student needs, enriching the educational experience. 

  • Administrative Efficiency: AI can allow you to automate routine tasks such as grading and organizing course materials, to save time. 

  • Plagiarism: Using AI to create entire assignments or research papers without proper attribution is unethical and violates academic integrity. 

  • Fabrication: Creating false data or research results with AI undermines the quality of academic work. 

  • Misrepresentation: Presenting AI-generated content as original student work without disclosure is dishonest. 

  • Bypassing Learning: Over-reliance on AI can impede the learning process and can prevent students from developing critical skills. 

Best Practices for Avoiding Plagiarism with AI
 

  • Understand AI Content Boundaries: Recognize that AI-generated content can closely resemble human-created work. Use it as a foundation rather than as a final product, and always attribute AI contributions. 

  • Attribute AI Contributions: Clearly acknowledge the role of AI in generating content. Transparency helps uphold academic honesty. 

  • Review and Revise AI Outputs: Ensure that AI-generated content aligns with your academic standards and revise it to reflect your original ideas. 

  • Use AI for Inspiration: Leverage AI for idea generation and inspiration but avoid copying content verbatim. Reframe concepts in your own words, in order to maintain originality.