Integrating AI Learning Technologies in Higher Education
The Center for Teaching and Learning at Utah Tech University recently held the 5th annual Learning Innovation Retreat. Each year, this event provides a unique platform for educators to impact the university’s direction in innovative teaching. Last year, we discussed barriers to innovating teaching, and CTL held events each month around ideas brought up during the retreat. This year, we explored the exciting intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and education. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into discussions on the role of AI in the classroom, the potential impact of AI on student learning outcomes, and best practices for integrating AI tools into teaching practices.
The event started with the Bruce Harris sharing the journey and results of the AI Tools task force. You can find those findings and recommendations on the CTL Webpage “AI Tool Guidelines” . The Provost Lacourse also shared the correlation between using these tools and the university’s vision and mission in our curriculum. We then had the opportunity to explore these tools in a safe and productive environment. After a short break, we invited recent alumni to describe their journey with ChatGPT and how they are currently using this helpful tool in their careers. Everyone worked as a team, often from the same discipline, sharing ideas on incorporating these tools into their current lesson plans.
The retreat catered to educators at all stages of their careers, offering valuable insights and practical tips on incorporating AI into their teaching methodologies. From seasoned educators to those just starting out, participants were inspired by the possibilities that AI presents for enhancing teaching and learning experiences. Moreover, the event fostered a vibrant networking environment, bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation in education and the opportunity to begin integrating AI into their curriculum, walking away with an generative AI integrated lesson plan.