Foreword

In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, the emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of both innovation and introspection, heralding a new era in teaching and learning. This book serves as a guide for college instructors who find themselves at the cusp of this technological revolution—those who are intrigued yet perhaps apprehensive, eager to explore yet unsure where to begin. As we begin this journey, it is vital to acknowledge the spectrum of emotions that accompany its integration into academia: from excitement and curiosity to caution and concern. Recognizing and normalizing these feelings is the first step toward fostering a culture of experimentation and exploration, essential qualities in harnessing the full potential of AI in education.

Generative AI, with its capacity to produce diverse and complex content, offers unparalleled opportunities to enhance educational experiences. Imagine crafting personalized learning journeys that adapt to individual students’ needs, or generating rich, immersive scenarios that delve deep into subjects from multifaceted perspectives. These technologies offer possibilities to democratize access to knowledge, transcending barriers of geography, ability, and socioeconomic status. However, this brave new world is not without its challenges and ethical dilemmas. As we integrate AI into our pedagogical toolkit, we must strive to ensure these advancements do not inadvertently perpetuate existing biases or engender new inequalities.

The ethical deployment of generative AI in education requires a collaborative and critical approach. It behooves us, as educators, to engage with our students in open dialogues about the implications of AI, nurturing a shared responsibility to embed these technologies in ways that are ethical, equitable, and productive. This collaborative endeavor not only empowers students as informed participants in their educational journey but also prepares them for a future where AI will be an ubiquitous presence in the workplace. Our role as facilitators of learning is thus expanded to include the cultivation of ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and adaptability among our students—skills paramount for navigating the complexities of a technology-driven world.

Moreover, embracing generative AI in teaching and learning invites us to reimagine our educational practices. It challenges us to transition from being the sole purveyors of knowledge to becoming architects of learning environments that encourage discovery and innovation. This paradigm shift underscores the importance of fostering a mindset geared toward experimentation and exploration, where the classroom becomes a laboratory for both educators and students to collaboratively test, iterate, and learn from the outcomes of AI-assisted endeavors.

In addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism, generative AI holds promise as a transformative tool. By leveraging AI to create curriculum materials that reflect a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives, we can cultivate learning spaces that affirm and value the rich diversity of our student body. Furthermore, by harnessing AI to simulate real-world scenarios, we can challenge our students to critically engage with social justice issues, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

However, navigating the ethical integration of generative AI into education is a journey fraught with challenges that demand thoughtful consideration and ongoing dialogue. It requires us to engage with diverse voices and perspectives, fostering an inclusive conversation about how these technologies can be leveraged to promote equity and justice. It compels us to remain vigilant, continuously educating ourselves about the societal impacts of AI and advocating for the development and use of AI technologies that uphold our shared values.

As you delve into the pages of this book, you are invited to explore the vast potential of generative AI to revolutionize teaching and learning while grappling with the ethical and societal questions it raises. Through a blend of practical insights, case studies, and reflective exercises, this book aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the integration of AI into your teaching practices thoughtfully and responsibly. You will discover strategies for fostering a classroom culture that encourages exploration and experimentation, and for engaging students as active partners in the ethical use of AI.

The journey into the world of generative AI is as much about leveraging new technological tools as it is about nurturing a spirit of curiosity, critical inquiry, and inclusivity. As educators, we have a pivotal role in shaping this future, guiding our students to navigate a technologically advanced yet human-centered world. This book is a testament to that journey, offering a curated collection of ideas and experiences that can help us integrate generative AI in ways that are ethical, equitable, and aligned with our highest aspirations for education.

About the author

name: Tazin Daniels

institution: University of Michigan

Dr. Daniels is Associate Director in the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching at the University of Michigan. She has a doctorate in medical anthropology and her current scholarship focuses on promoting equity and inclusion in teaching and in faculty development.  She works with universities build stronger programs and practices to ensure all students can be successful.