ChatGPT – Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

ChatGPT Under the Hood: The Future of Generative AI

In this session, we will explore cutting-edge advancements shaping the landscape of Generative AI. Beginning with the concept of Digital Twining and the role of a Digital Instructor. The session will then introduce CyGPT, a customized ChatGPT tool designed specifically for ISU courses, showcasing its potential to enhance interactive learning environments. A compelling case study will be presented, demonstrating the practical application of ChatGPT in the SE 317 course.

Dr. Ashraf Gaffar has been working with AI for the last 25 years. His research includes creating large data corpuses (repositories) and structuring and encoding them using different formal methods including AI and non-AI techniques. He has been working with ChatGPT since its inception in 2017. He built several AI systems for multiple enterprises including Honeywell, Deutsche Bank, Mayo Clinic, and General Motors. He received multiple academic and industrial awards for his work including Superior Academic Achievement and two SAP MVP awards, and currently has 5 US patents. Dr. Gaffar is a Teaching Professor at Iowa State University and is a certified project manager (PMP) since 2008.

Dr. Mohamed Selim is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Known for his dedication and excellence in teaching, Dr. Selim was honored with the ISU Early Achievement in Teaching Award for his outstanding contributions in Teaching in 2021. This recognition followed his receipt of the College of Engineering’s Early Achievement in Teaching Award in 2020, further attesting to his consistent excellence in education. Beyond his teaching prowess, Dr. Selim serves as a lead co-PI for the ARA living lab, an NSF funded project.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, you may find more information on the University Human Resources Disability Accommodation page. For graduate student assistants and undergraduate students, please get in touch with Student Accessibility Services.

* This is a Hybrid Event. Please choose how you will attend from the RSVP options below.

** After you’ve RSVP’d, please take a moment to add this event to your personal calendar.

ChatGPT Under the Hood: Generative AI in Education

In this session, we’ll discuss the imperative to regulate AI in education, navigate emerging challenges in digital technologies, and explore both the potential and limitations of Generative AI tools, particularly in fostering creativity. Privacy and copyright concerns related to AI-generated content will be addressed, along with insights into recommender systems for personalized learning experiences. The session will also touch on conceptual blending and the importance of common sense in optimizing AI’s educational contributions.

* This is a Hybrid Event. Please choose how you will attend from the RSVP options below.

Future Events:

The Future of Generative AI, March 28th from 3:10 – 4:00 pm

** After you’ve RSVP’d, please take a moment to add this event to your personal calendar.

AI in Teaching Series

Posted on February 20, 2023February 12, 2024

Teaching with AI Course

Several educators completed our “Teaching with AI” Canvas course as a self-paced or hybrid teaching and learning cohort for fall 2023. During our discussion, we addressed the following queries: What is the significance of ChatGPT and other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What are the pedagogical and ethical implications should instructors be aware of while teaching with AI? How are students incorporating AI, and what are the implications of such usage for our classrooms?

Are you interested in participating if we offer a future “Teaching with AI” course? Please email us at celt-help@iastate.edu.

Upcoming Programming

ChatGPT Under the Hood: Introducing Generative AI, February 1 (3:10-4 p.m., hybrid event) presented by Dr. Ashraf Gaffar, Teaching Professor, and Dr. Mohamed Selim, Associate Teaching Professor (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

ChatGPT Under the Hood: Generative AI in Education, February 29 (3:10-4 p.m., hybrid event) presented by Dr. Ashraf Gaffar, Teaching Professor, and Dr. Mohamed Selim, Associate Teaching Professor (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

ChatGPT Under the Hood: The Future of Generative AI, March 28 (3:10-4 p.m., hybrid event) presented by Dr. Ashraf Gaffar, Teaching Professor, and Dr. Mohamed Selim, Associate Teaching Professor (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Leveraging Generative AI for Accessible Education, February 20 (11 a.m.-12 p.m., online via Zoom) presented by Jamie Niman

Previous Programming

“How to Teach with Generative AI: Supporting Students and Designing Learning Experiences,” presented by Dr. Abram Anders, Interim Associate Director of the Student Innovation Center and Associate Professor of English, and Emily Dux Speltz, a Ph.D. candidate in the Applied Linguistics and Technology program in the Department of English. Watch the How to Teach with Generative AI Recording (61 minutes) and review the AI Ethics Tutor Lesson Plans and Resources (Substack page).

“Experimental Insights into Writing-Classroom Applications of Grammarly and ChatGPT,” presented by Jim Ranalli, Associate Professor of English. Watch the recording of the Experimental Insights into Writing Presentation (55 minutes) or review the Experimental Insights into Writing Slides (PDF).

“Are Students Reading the Textbook? Where Artificial Intelligence and Learning Science Meet”, presented by Heather Dean (ISU Bookstore) and Dr. Rachel Van Campenhout (VitalSource).

“Applying AI-Generated Practice to Textbooks to Improve Teaching and Learning,” presented by Dr. Kelly Odenweller (COMST) and Dr. Rachel Van Campenhout (VitalSource). View Kelly & Rachel’s Talk.

“Advantages, Questions, and Fears Around AI Uses in Creative Practice.”, presented by Assistant Professor in Art and Visual Culture Johnny DiBlasi and Olmo Amato, Instructor of Photography at the ISU Rome Program. View Johnny & Olmo’s Talk.

“Preventing Cheating with AI: Strategies for Dealing with ChatGPT Misuse,” presented by Christine Denison, Roger P. Murphy Professor in Accounting / Associate Professor. View Denison’s Talk.

“Pallbearer for the Term Paper: Beyond ChatGPT,” presented by Michael Bugeja, a distinguished professor at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, January 3o, 2-3 p.m. View Bugeja’s Talk on YouTube, download the Talk bibliography (docx), and read the recent essay, “If AI kills the essay, I will be a pallbearer at the funeral” (Poynter Institute, January 24, 2023).

“How to Use ChatGPT to Boost Your Research and Teaching,” presented by Abram Anders, Associate Professor of English and Director of Communication Innovation. Access these presentation slides on Ander’s blog.

ChatGPT Under the Hood: Introducing Generative AI

Curious about the magic behind ChatGPT? Is it really magic or just myth? Or both?

Join us for a journey into the technology powering this AI application. Explore the GPT training process and unravel the secrets behind coherent conversations. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just intrigued by AI, this session offers a brief dive into this mysterious world.

If you need help registering for events or if you require reasonable accommodation to participate in CELT’s events or training programs, please reach out to us at celt@iastate.edu.

Note: This Event Will Be Recorded

* This is a Hybrid Event. Please choose how you will attend from the RSVP options below.

Future Events:

Generative AI in Education, February 29th from 3:10 – 4:oo pm
The Future of Generative AI, March 28th from 3:10 – 4:00 pm

Experimental Insights into Writing: Classroom Applications of Grammarly and ChatGPT

In this presentation, Dr. James Ranalli will report on studies that investigated (1) how the level of Grammarly integration into writing courses influenced sustained adoption of Grammarly among students; and (2) how revisions by Grammarly and ChatGPT affected instructors’ evaluations of student writing as well as their perceptions of mental effort involved in evaluating and providing feedback. Implications of these studies for classroom application of AI-powered writing support will then be discussed.

Jim Ranalli, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the Department of English. He investigates connections between L2 academic writing, self-regulated learning, and technology. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and has been published in Assessing Writing, CALICO Journal, Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Educational Psychology, Journal of Second Language Writing, Language Learning & Technology, and other publications. Jim teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in linguistics, language teaching methodology, computer-assisted language learning, and L2 writing and technology. He currently serves as the director of undergraduate studies for the Department of English, the coordinator of the writing component of ISU’s English Placement Test, and an associate editor of Language Learning & Technology.

Note: This Event Will Be Recorded

* This is a Hybrid Event. Please choose how you will attend from the RSVP options below.

Join the “Teaching with AI” Course to Explore the Impact of AI on Teaching and Learning (PDF)

Posted on August 21, 2023August 22, 2023

What’s all the buzz about ChatGPT and other generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What should instructors know about the pedagogical and ethical implications of teaching with AI? How are students using AI, and what do such uses mean for our classrooms?

You are invited to join the “Teaching with AI” Canvas course (designed by Auburn University) and promoted by the Chronicle of Higher Education. CELT obtained a license for Iowa State University instructors to explore the impact of AI on teaching, learning, and course design.

About the Course

The “Teaching with AI” Canvas course includes the following modules:

Module 1: What do I need to know about IA?
Module 2: What are the ethical considerations of AI in our higher ed context?
Module 3: What is learning, and how will AI tools affect the courses I teach?
Module 4: How are students using AI tools and how can I partner with my students?
Module 5: What do I need to rethink in terms of the exams, papers, or projects I assign?
Module 6: How do I (re)design courses in the wake of the AI disruption?
What other AI tools or capabilities are coming and how do I design for them?
What conversations need to happen in my department or discipline, and what is my role?

Engagement

We are offering this course self-paced or a hybrid teaching and learning cohort:

Self-Paced: You have until June 1, 2024, to finish all modules, which should take approximately 20 hours.
Teaching and Learning Community Cohort: We will host two synchronous meetings during the 2023-24 academic year to foster active participation and lively discussion among the cohort. During the initial meeting, we will focus on the first four modules completed, and at the final meeting, we will discuss the rest of them.
- Cohort Meeting 1, Thursday, November 16, 2023 (2-3:30 p.m., online)
- Cohort Meeting 2, Thursday, February 29, 2024 (2-3:30 p.m., online)

It will take approximately 20 hours to complete all modules and attend the two online synchronous meetings (each meeting is 90 min long).

Also, consider attending the upcoming Teaching with AI Talks and explore the CELT AI in Teaching page.

Instructions for Registration

Use your iastate email to access the Teaching with AI Course Registration MS form (button below), indicate your preferred modality, and submit. (Note: Your name and iastate email will be recorded automatically upon completion).

Teaching with AI Course Registration MS form

Important Things to Know: Participation is limited to ISU Net ID holders. The first 100 registrants will be considered and will receive access to the course within one week of registration. You will be put on a waiting list if all registrations are claimed. Access to the “Teaching with AI” Auburn University course will only be available until June 30, 2024.

Questions? Please email us at celt-help@iastate.edu.

Download the Teaching with AI Course flyer (PDF).

How to Teach with Generative AI: Supporting Students and Designing Learning Experiences

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming integral to our daily lives and educational environments. Yet, our students need guidance on how to use AI tools ethically and productively, particularly with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Concurrently, instructors are expressing a strong interest in developing engaging, AI-enhanced activities and assignments while minimizing the risks of AI-facilitated cheating.

In this session, we will provide an overview of critical AI literacies for students, and we’ll share tools that instructors can use to help their students master these skills. We will also offer practical resources and scenario-based guidance to help instructors with guiding their students on responsible AI use. This understanding is particularly relevant given Iowa State’s flexible-use AI policies.

Further, we will share strategies for curriculum redesign to maximize the educational benefits of AI while minimizing potential misuse. Our approach integrates inquiry-based and authentic assessment methods typically used to support active, experiential, and project-based learning. We will also delve into the potential of AI for facilitating personalized, disciplinary-specific learning activities across different contexts and learning levels.

Finally, we will provide an overview of our ongoing learning experiments in our new experimental course, “ENGL 222X: Artificial Intelligence and Writing.” In this course, we collaborate with students to test the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to using generative AI to learn and to write. By sharing our preliminary findings, we aim to demonstrate the transformative potential of AI-enhanced learning.

Facilitated by Dr. Abram Anders, Interim Associate Director of the Student Innovation Center and Associate Professor of English and Emily Dux Speltz, Ph.D. candidate in the Applied Linguistics and Technology program in the Department of English.

If you need help registering for events or if you require reasonable accommodation to participate in CELT’s events or training programs, please reach out to us at celt@iastate.edu.

Note: This Event Will Be Recorded

Series, Preventing Cheating with AI: Strategies for Dealing with ChatGPT Misuse with Christine Denison

In our Chat GPT Teaching Talks Series, faculty members discuss their strategies while teaching in this new educational landscape of Chat GPT or generative artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to generate human-like text in response to users’ prompts. Christine Denison, professor with the Ivy College of Business will present our third talk in this series:

In today’s technological landscape, students have access to powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, which can make cheating easier than ever. In this talk, we will address the issue of students using AI to gain an unfair advantage and discuss strategies for preventing this behavior, including alternatives to assignments that are vulnerable to ChatGPT-aided cheating. We will also explore techniques for detecting ChatGPT-aided cheating and discuss how to deal with problems as they arise.

Note: This Event Will Be Recorded

Series: How to Use ChatGPT to Boost Your Research and Teaching with Abram Anders

In our Chat GPT Teaching Talks Series, faculty members discuss their strategies while teaching in this new educational landscape of Chat GPT or generative artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to generate human-like text in response to users’ prompts. Dr. Abram Anders, Associate Professor of English and Director of Communication Innovation will present the second in this series:

This workshop is designed to empower faculty with the knowledge and skills to harness the power of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language generation model developed by OpenAI. We’ll start with a high-level overview of how ChatGPT works, its capabilities, and its limitations. Next, we’ll dive into real-world applications and use cases of ChatGPT in both industry and higher education contexts. The highlight of the workshop is a hands-on opportunity where participants will learn basic and advanced techniques for developing prompts and generating outputs using ChatGPT. Faculty will have the chance to experiment with these models and see firsthand how they can enhance their research or teaching. Lastly, we’ll explore the future of AI and writing and its potential implications in higher education. Join us and discover how ChatGPT can help you be a more productive researcher and teacher!

Dr. Anders has expertise in academic, business, and professional communication with applications for creative collaboration, learning design, innovation and entrepreneurship, and leadership. He is also currently developing an experimental undergraduate course, “ENGL 222X: Artificial Intelligence and Writing,” which is expected to be offered at Iowa State in fall 2023.

Dr. Abram Anders, Associate Professor of English and Director of Communication Innovation

Note: This Event Will Be Recorded

Series, Pallbearer for the Term Paper: Beyond ChatGPT with Michael Bugeja

In our Chat GPT Teaching Talks Series, faculty members discuss their strategies while teaching in this new educational landscape of Chat GPT or generative artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to generate human-like text in response to users’ prompts. Michael Bugeja, a distinguished professor at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, will present the first in this series:

With the advent of AI chatbots, professors are looking for ways to ensure the integrity of the term paper or to do away with it entirely and replace it with a better pedagogy. Michael Bugeja, the distinguished professor, has been at the forefront of consumer technology with more than a dozen articles in Inside Higher Ed and the Chronicle of Higher Education. He was among the first to critique Facebook in January 2006 before many even realized that Iowa State students were interacting on the platform. He was key in criticizing the avatar world of Second Life and arguing against higher education investing in it, requiring students to adhere to the company’s terms of service rather than the Iowa State student handbook. He supports educational technology, including Canvas, which provides online discussion boards to engage students in class content. An advocate of research that informs teaching, Dr. Bugeja has created a multi-digital learning platform for media ethics that engages students in face-to-face classes and online. In his discussion of the term paper, he demonstrates how learning is enhanced if roles are reversed, with professors writing the term papers and students critiquing them.

Read Michael Bugeja’s recent essay, “If AI kills the essay, I will be a pallbearer at the funeral” (Poynter Institute, January 24, 2023).

Michael Bugeja, Distinguished Professor, Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication