> Empowering Students with AI

Empowering Students with AI: A Strategy for Authentic Learning

By Walter Rodriguez, PhD, PE

AI assistants can help learners. But it's crucial to use AI ethically. Here's how we can encourage responsible AI use in assignments:

1. AI as a Research Springboard:

• Students can leverage AI to find relevant sources and explore diverse perspectives. Let them input keywords or topics to generate initial article suggestions. This jumpstarts research, must critically evaluate each source and choose credible ones.

2. Brainstorming Buddy:

• Hitting a wall? AI can spark new ideas. Students can use it to generate creative prompts related to their topic. However, the core analysis and argument should be their own.

3. AI as a Grammar Gremlin Stomper:

• Grammarly and other AI-powered tools can be fantastic for catching typos and suggesting clearer sentence structure. This ensures polished writing, but the content and ideas must originate from the student.

4. Unleashing the Inner Curator:

• Students can use AI to summarize complex information or paraphrase quotes. This helps them understand the material better, but they should cite the source and integrate the information into their analysis.

The Key Ingredient: Weaving in Your Unique Voice

Here's the twist: Encourage students to connect AI-generated content to their interests and experiences. For example, if AI suggests an interesting business or technical fact, students can research how it relates to their community or a personal passion. This personal connection demonstrates genuine understanding and avoids cookie-cutter assignments.

Remember: Always emphasize source corroboration. Students should use AI as a springboard, not a crutch. Critical thinking and independent analysis are essential for authentic learning.

Here is one directive you may use:

Make it Yours: Using AI assistants is allowed but corroborate sources and relate to your unique interests.

Check these Generative AI models

• LLaMA is a free and open-source large language model developed by Meta AI. It is trained on a dataset of 1.4 trillion tokens and can generate human-like text.

• Stable Diffusion: a text-to-image AI model that generates images based on prompts. It is available for free and can be run on a personal computer.

• ChatGPT Codex: a generative AI model that can generate source code for new computer programs. It is trained on a dataset of programming languages and can be used for free.

• ElevenLabs' context-aware synthesis tools: a generative AI model that can generate natural-sounding speech synthesis and text-to-speech capabilities. It is available for free and can be used for personal projects.

• MusicLM: a generative AI model that can generate new musical samples based on text descriptions. It is available for free and can be used for personal projects.

• GPTZero: a free AI text detector that can recognize text generated by generative AI models. It is available for free and can be used for personal projects.

• Gemeni: https://gemini.google.com/app

By following these guidelines, AI assistants become powerful tools that empower students to conduct deeper research, express their unique voices, and demonstrate a true understanding of the subject matter.

One of my former employers, Georgia Tech (GT) has taken a significant step forward in empowering students with AI, providing them with innovative tools and resources to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Key Points:

• AI-powered learning platforms: GT has implemented AI-driven learning platforms that offer personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and adaptive assessments. These platforms enable students to learn at their pace, identify knowledge gaps, and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

• AI-assisted research: GT's AI initiatives provide students with access to advanced research tools, enabling them to analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and draw meaningful insights. This exposure to AI-driven research prepares students for careers in data science, machine learning, and other AI-related fields.

• Ethical considerations: As AI becomes more pervasive in education, GT emphasizes the importance of ethical AI development and deployment. Students learn about the potential biases in AI systems, the need for transparency and accountability, and the ethical implications of AI on society.

• Interdisciplinary approaches: GT's AI programs foster collaboration among students from diverse disciplines, including computer science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop a comprehensive understanding of AI and its applications in various fields.

• Career opportunities: GT's AI initiatives prepare students for a wide range of careers, including AI engineering, data science, machine learning, natural language processing, and human-computer interaction.

Additional Ideas:

• AI-powered mental health support: GT could explore the use of AI-driven chatbots or virtual assistants to provide mental health support and resources to students.

• AI-assisted accessibility: GT could leverage AI to improve accessibility for students with disabilities, such as AI-powered transcription services or personalized learning tools.

• AI ethics and society: GT could offer courses or workshops that delve into the social implications of AI, including privacy, bias, and job displacement.

• AI and creativity: GT could encourage students to explore the intersection of AI and creativity, such as AI-generated art, music, or writing.
  GT's commitment to empowering students with AI has the potential to transform the educational landscape. By providing students with AI-driven tools, resources, and knowledge, GT prepares them for a future where AI is increasingly integral to various aspects of life. As AI continues to evolve, educational institutions must prioritize AI literacy, ethical considerations, and interdisciplinary approaches to ensure that students are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven world.