Generative AI tools (referred to here simply as “AI”) offer both opportunities and challenges for students’ learning and engagement. Although most students will be expected to use AI in the workplace, studies show that reliance on AI tools limits students’ critical thinking development and social interactions. This page offers considerations for helping students approach AI in ways that are intentional, discerning, and that support their learning.
Key points about AI to share with students
Many students already use AI, but aren’t necessarily using it in ways that best serve their learning and long-term interests. Because UW graduates will live and work in a world impacted by AI, it is important to provide them with opportunities to better understand the issues associated with AI, how to use AI ethically, and AI’s relationship to their learning. Learn more key points to share with students about AI
Developing AI-related course policies
Stating your expectations in the syllabus and in assignment instructions helps students avoid unauthorized use of AI in your course. Learn more about developing AI-related course policies
Centering learning when using AI with students
Recent studies suggest that unregulated use of AI carries significant risks to students’ cognitive development and can worsen equity gaps. Given these findings, it is important that instructors use AI judiciously with students and in ways that reflect what research tells us about how people learn.
Learn more about centering learning when using AI with students
Using AI in course development
This page includes ideas and strategies for using AI “behind-the-scenes” to assist you in developing and refining materials related to your course. Learn more about using AI in course development
Connecting with others about teaching and AI
AI+Teaching: Using AI to advance learning
This 4-week, fully online, asynchronous course is designed to explore evidence-based teaching strategies that use generative AI to advance student learning and support effective course design. Learn more
AI+Teaching Faculty Learning Community
Designed for instructors on all three UW campuses, the AI+Teaching Faculty Learning Community provides instructors with opportunities to:
- Explore the use of AI in teaching
- Discuss the implications of AI developments in teaching
- Share resources and learn how colleagues are using AI in their teaching
The community meets at 3:30pm on Zoom the first Tuesday of each month.
Have a question about a particular AI tool or need technical support? Contact AI@UW.