Daemen University explored the role of AI in higher education during its 20th Annual Learning and Teaching Symposium, “Teaching in an Age of Change,” presented by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) on Thursday, January 15.
Keynote speaker, Dana J. Gavin, PhD, director of the Writing Center at Dutchess Community College, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, Teaching in the Age of AI: The Only Way Forward Is Through, delving into the impact of AI on reading, writing, teaching, and labor, and sharing practical strategies for ethically integrating AI literacy across all facets of higher education.
Gavin, who referred to AI as a “probability machine,” reassured the audience, saying, “You don’t have to start making radical changes overnight to the good work you are already doing. Starting small is okay. Even if you commit to one part of one class to discuss generative AI, you are taking a critical step in the right direction.”
She is an advocate for deeper engagement with students, more transparency, modeling, encouragement, and rigor as it relates to foundational critical thinking skills. “We can inspire students to embrace the harder path by changing our framing,” she said. “This is where I argue that the way forward is through.”
Faculty Development Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work & Sociology, Kat Miller-Procknal, said, “We were so fortunate to have Dr. Gavin present our keynote during this year’s symposium. Her insight into AI use within the classroom and higher education as a whole will help guide Daemen faculty and staff in the ethical use of this new and emerging technology.”
Faculty and staff presented during breakout sessions throughout the day, including Studying with Artificial Intelligence, Course Makeovers that Matter, and Inclusive Teaching for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.