Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching & Learning

AI has created a conundrum for higher education. AI text generators, computer programs capable of efficiently producing quality written content, have raised questions about the possibilities, ethics and limits of the use of programs such as ChatGPT in higher education. While artificial intelligence (AI) has been a part of our lives for a while — hello Siri, chatbots, and real-time autocorrect and predictive texts — increasingly sophisticated AI text generators have educators worried about how students might use or misuse these programs to write papers. In this episode, Dr. Candis Bond, director of the Center for Writing Excellence at Augusta University, and Dr. James Garner, associate director of the Center for Writing Excellence, chat about why we teach writing in college and how these text generators might be used in the classroom. They note that one of the main advantages of AI text generators is their ability to produce large amounts of content quickly and effectively to summarize information. Additionally, GPT-3 can be used to edit and structure text. However, there are limitations, including the fact that the model can generate biased or incorrect information and struggles to draw conclusions or insights the same way humans can. Additionally, the AI model may attribute authorship incorrectly, leading to perpetuating authorship gaps by gender or race. Dr. Bond and Dr. Garner note that while AI text generators can be helpful for generating ideas and pushing oneself as a critical thinker, they should not be used as a substitute for the valuable skills and habits of mind developed through the act of writing. Ultimately, the purpose of writing is not just to produce polished final products, but to teach people valuable skills that will be with them for life. Wondering what AI text generators are capable of? You’ve just experienced it. The second paragraph of this episode description was largely written by ChatGPT. The Speaking of Higher Ed podcast is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.edu/innovation/sohe, on Facebook at facebook.com/AUGCII or send us an email with your questions or suggestions at CII@augusta.edu. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.

How are the words and pictures you use in your course content helping to improve learning for your students? Arthur Takahashi, adjunct faculty member and instructional designer at Augusta University, discusses how he uses multimedia learning principles in his course design and delivery to do just that. Mayer and Moreno’s (1999) study of the cognitive principles of multimedia learning continues to inform the creation of learning materials. Before discussing how he uses Mayer’s principles, Arthur touches on the three goals of multimedia instructional design which each of the principles will help support. Arthur shares how he uses Mayer’s principle of high embodiment and others in order to provide students with an experience that helps improve learning and retention. From creating a PowerPoint to making instructional videos, these principles can help you craft an impactful and lasting learning experience for your students. You can read more about Moreno and Mayer’s (1999) research on cognitive principles of multimedia learning or pick up Mayer’s latest edition of his book, Multimedia Learning, from Cambridge University Press. Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.edu/innovation/sohe, on Facebook at facebook.com/AUGCII or send us an email with your questions or suggestions at CII@augusta.edu.

Dr. Rhia Moreno from the College of Education and Human Development discusses how she applies multimodal pedagogy to create a more varied learning environment that supports different learning styles and skillsets. Her approach includes incorporating AU approved tech such as Flip, Padlet and VoiceThread as well as encouraging creative reflection in face-to-face and online courses. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Dr. Moreno highlights what multimodal pedagogy looks like and shares strategies on how to incorporate inventive approaches across disciplines. Dr. Moreno will lead a webinar about diversifying your online instruction on February 22. For more information on this webinar email: CII@augusta.edu. Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.edu/innovation, on Facebook at facebook.com/AUGCII or send us an email with your questions or suggestions at CII@augusta.edu.

Speaking of Higher Ed is a new podcast from Augusta University that exists to create a resource that will inspire and assist faculty in creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences. We hope to provide higher ed faculty with a platform for sharing research related to the scholarship of teaching and learning, spark new instructional ideas and promote interdisciplinary instructional methods.  New episodes release on the third Wednesday of each month during spring and fall semesters. Speaking of Higher Ed is produced by the Center for Instructional Innovation at Augusta University. Find us online at augusta.edu/innovation, on Facebook at facebook.com/AUGCII or send us an email with your questions or suggestions at CII@augusta.edu.