Posted on September 2, 2024 by Brett W. Copeland
UTSA students, faculty and staff collaborated to create AI Essentials to help Roadrunners leverage GenAI on their paths to bold futures.
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As we kick-off Fall 2024, Academic Innovation and our partners are proud to introduce AI Essentials: Guidelines and Approaches for UTSA Students—a resource designed to enhance student learning experiences by promoting best Generative AI practices into their academic journey.
Why AI Essentials?
As the landscape of Generative AI rapidly evolves, our strategies for fostering innovation in the classroom must keep pace. This guide was developed in close collaboration with both faculty and students, ensuring that it aligns with the diverse needs and goals of our academic community.
What Does AI Essentials Offer?
AI Essentials equips students with the knowledge to:
- Enhance Learning Tools: Students can learn how to leverage Generative AI to create personalized study materials, enhance their classwork, and interactive content tailored to their unique learning preferences.
- Improve Research Skills: The guide offers insights into using AI for more efficient research, from finding sources to generating ideas and refining their writing.
- Develop Future-Ready Skills: Students will gain valuable insights into how AI can be a powerful asset in their future careers, helping them develop skills increasingly in demand across various industries.
- Understand Data Privacy: The guide emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal information and using AI tools responsibly.
- Foster Critical Thinking and Innovation: Students will engage with strategies that use AI to deepen their learning and creativity, enhancing problem-solving and analytical skills.
Your Role in Promoting AI Essentials
We understand and respect that each faculty member will decide the role that GenAI will play in their courses. AI Essentials is simply designed to complement your teaching approach, offering students additional resources to enhance their academic experience. We also emphasize the role you play in deciding how GenAI will be utilized in your course and encourage students to reach out to you if they have questions.
We kindly ask you to consider sharing this guide with your students and encouraging them to explore the benefits it offers – they can even earn a certificate if they complete the AI Essentials learning module. Whether it's for enhancing their research, fostering creativity, or preparing for future careers, AI Essentials provides valuable support for their academic journey.
One last thing…
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the UTSA GenAI Peer Learning Network and the dedicated students whose feedback and insights have been instrumental in shaping this guide. Our ongoing collaboration underscores UTSA’s commitment to be a model for student success and an innovative place to learn, work and discover.
Click here to launch the AI Essentials >>
— Brett W. Copeland
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