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Embracing AI in the Classroom: A Collaborative Approach to Course Design

Angela Britcher

Educators are still tip-toeing into using AI in course design and instruction. Charles Palmer, a forward-thinking educator at Harrisburg University, is pioneering the integration of AI into course design, transforming it into a collaborative tool that enhances the educational process.

A New Perspective on AI in Education

Palmer urges both students and faculty to shift their perspectives on AI. “If you stop thinking of it as the solution to your problem and more as the researcher, the collaborator, the assistant, you really start thinking about, well, how do I change my process or how do I incorporate this tool into my process as opposed to using this tool to replace my process?” he advises. Viewing AI as a collaborative partner rather than a replacement can spark creativity and lead to more effective and innovative outcomes.

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Collaborative Course Creation with AI

Palmer’s approach to course creation is hands-on and student-centered. By involving a group of students in a semester-long exploration of generative AI, he utilized AI as a co-creator, not just as a teaching tool. “I wanted to use chat GPT to develop the course and assistance with me and then create all kinds of assets that could be used in the delivery,” Palmer explains. Each asset involved re-working prompts and editing. This collaborative process resulted in a comprehensive set of resources that enriched the course content.

Starting Small with AI

For faculty members hesitant to dive into AI, Palmer suggests starting small. “Take one of your lessons or the bullets of what you want to cover in a particular session, throw it in the chat GPT and say, here’s what I’m discussing. How would I improve upon that? Or give me some ideas of things that I may have missed,” he recommends. This approach allows educators to gradually integrate AI into their teaching methods and discover its potential to transform their curriculum.

Charles Palmer’s insights offer a valuable roadmap for educators looking to incorporate AI in the classroom. By viewing AI as a collaborator and gradually integrating it into the educational process, teachers can unlock new possibilities for themselves and their students.

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Angela Britcher

Angela Britcher, M.A., is a dynamic content marketing professional and storyteller who transforms complex ideas into easily digestible bites for audiences. She teaches communications, media studies, and writing, and she is a skilled instructional designer, creating engaging online learning experiences for colleges and corporate training. Angela produces and hosts The Babb Group's DigitalEDU Dialogues podcast.
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