Suggestions for Instructors
The foundations of effective teaching, strong course design, and authentic assessment can inform how instructors best put to use Generative AI and AI tools in their courses. This section offers guidance as we begin to engage with AI tools in our teaching and learning practices.
This section also contains suggestions for instructors who may wish to avoid the use of AI tools in their courses.
We will refer to four of the five dimensions of the U of A’s Effective Teaching Framework to help you think about good practices and the possibilities for the use of AI tools in your teaching and courses:
- Expertise, Content, and Outcomes
- Course Design
- Instructional Practice
- Learning Environments
What you’ll find below: Within each dimension’s section, we will briefly discuss the applicable indicators that demonstrate effective teaching. We will then provide a short list of considerations (and questions) for the instructor thinking about using AI tools in the context of the specific aspects and practices associated with each dimension of the Effective Teaching Framework.
Each dimension also contains an additional component, titled, Long Samples, Quick Prompts, and Other Suggestions. This section offers practical advice and suggestions for possible instructor uses of AI tools. As well, we provide examples of activities and assessments with descriptions of learning aims, meaningful interactions, feedback opportunities, and integration tips, including sample prompts, that might promote active student learning and can be used across disciplines.
The first dimension of the Effective Teaching Framework is Expertise, Content, and Outcomes. This dimension refers to the rigor and relevance of an instructor’s expertise and of the course content or the learning experience.
Learn moreThe second dimension of the Effective teaching Framework is Course Design. This dimension refers to the planning and organization of course learning outcomes, objectives, resources, assignments, and assessments.
Learn moreInstructional practices refer to how instructors engage and interact with their students and the quality of instruction.
Learn MoreThis dimension describes the diverse physical and virtual locations and spaces, contexts, and cultures in which instructors teach and students learn.
Learn moreGraduate-level education (and specifically graduate supervision and mentoring) are crucial research and pedagogical domains affected by Generative AI, too.
Looking for even more ideas? See Suggested Resources for a few more suggestions for your considerations.
Learn more