Speaking of Higher Ed 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.
March 15, 2023
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.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Center for Writing Excellence has compiled links that can help you navigate AI text generators like ChatGPT.
Connect with the Center for Writing Excellence on LinkedIn, Facebook or on YouTube.
February 15, 2023
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 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.
January 18th, 2023
Dr. Rhia Moreno from the College of Education and Human Development discusses how she uses multimodal pedagogy in her undergraduate and graduate courses. Her intentional approach to innovation includes incorporating AU approved tech such as Flip, Padlet and VoiceThread to encourage creative reflection across modalities. By combining technology, an inter-disciplinary approach and a focus on inclusivity, Dr. Moreno is championing a dynamic approach to learning. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Dr. Moreno shares practical strategies and tips on how to encourage creativity and engagement in your classroom.
More about resources mentioned in this episode:
Link to, searchable, Augusta University approved software. You will need to login with your NetID.
Padlet and VoiceThread are approved by AU for use, but there are no institutional licenses for them. Padlet is free up to a certain level to use.
Flip (formerly Flipgrid), is AU approved software. Flip is available to Augusta University faculty and students using their NetID login. Once logged in, you can create groups and topics. A bonus, Flip can be integrated into D2L.
January 6th, 2023
Andrew Everett joined the CII team in 2022 as a Faculty & Instructional Developer
with a focus in video and multimedia production. After nearly a decade in TV news
Andrew made the move to Augusta University in 2019 as a video producer for Communications
& Marketing. Andrew earned a BS in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University
and a Master of Public Administration degree from Augusta University. Andrew has been
awarded numerous Georgia Associated Press awards, an EMMA award from the National
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and a silver TELLY award for his work on the
short film, Augusta Gives: Back to the Future.
