Generative AI for Teaching and Learning at CSU San Bernardino
General description of the project
This presentation will showcase the design and implementation of the “GenAI for Teaching and Learning” hands-on professional development Canvas course at CSU San Bernardino. The course was designed to introduce faculty to some of the basic principles of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and ways it could be used in their courses. The emphasis of the course was GenAI use in classroom contexts. The underlying premise of the course was that the more comfortable faculty are with the technical aspects and teaching applications of these tools, the more likely they are to use them and use them well. Mandy Taylor proposed the original concept for the course, which was collaboratively designed and moderated with Elizabeth Viramontes-Shisler. Participants had to complete six modules. Module activities included PlayPosit assessments, Discussion Boards, and other reflective activities. Participants who successfully completed the course earned $250 in professional development funds, the only costs associated with the project. Funding was provided by the CSUSB Faculty Center for Excellence, part of Academic Affairs. Exit survey data show that participants found the course useful overall. Participants also provided useful feedback to implement before the next iteration in Spring 2025. Helping faculty more effectively incorporate technology into their courses has a direct impact on Hispanic students.
Technologies
We used the following technologies in course design and implementation:: Canvas (LMS), PlayPosit, Articulate Rise, SCORM, ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, and DALL-E. Participants completed all work in Canvas. All of the tools used enabled participants to complete course activities and meet course objectives.
Explain project results
The primary course objectives of introducing faculty to generative AI (GenAI) and increasing their knowledge were met. Initial data from course discussions and the exit survey show the following:
* All participants indicated increased understanding of GenAI, although many were still hesitant about allowing its use in the course.
*Several faculty indicated that they will deliberately incorporate GenAI use into their assignments.
*Several faculty indicated that they will deliberately incorporate GenAI use into their professional practice, either preparing course materials or in their research.
*As faculty become more adept at using GenAI and understanding its limits, they will be more able to help students know when and where to use it.
*Most faculty recognize the need for clear policy related to GenAI use in their courses.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This course incorporates best practices for effective professional development design, including:
Content-driven
Meets instructor and institutional needs
Active participation → participants need to demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use tools
High-quality instructors
Opportunity for reflection
Opportunity for feedback
Instructor and peer feedback
Systematic and collaborative approach to design
Highlights of your proposed presentation
This session will describe the design process, goals, and preliminary outcomes of the GenAI for Teaching and Learning professional development course at CSU San Bernardino.
Attendees will be able to
Assess training available at their institutions
Reflect on their own GenAI use in personal and professional contexts
Reflect on the impact of GenAI on teaching and learning broadly
Apply principles of effective professional development design to future projects
Recognize elements of effective learning design
Evaluate the benefits of reflective practices in education
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (1= non-satisfactory; 5 =outstanding), for a maximum of 45 points.