Enhancing Educational Practices: EAST Hosts Workshops on Generative AI Resources for Faculty and Staff
Embracing Generative AI at Bryn Mawr: Insights from East’s Workshop
On January 13th, the Educational and Scholarly Technology Team (EAST) convened an enlightening series of workshops aimed at helping staff and faculty navigate the evolving landscape of Generative AI (GenAI). These sessions not only illuminated the best practices for using GenAI resources but also introduced tools like Microsoft Copilot, Adobe Firefly, and Boodlebox that are available to our college community.
Setting the Stage: Introducing GenAI
Jenny Spohrer, EAST’s Director, opened the first workshop with a clear vision: to empower attendees to effectively integrate GenAI into their daily responsibilities. Her approach was grounded in the principles of Bryn Mawr College’s data handling policy and the established privacy and security guidelines. “A key benefit of using college-recommended AI tools is the assurance that…any data uploaded or generated will not be used to train external AI models,” Spohrer noted, highlighting the enhanced safety of using institutional tools over more public options.
The 4D Framework for AI Fluency
One of the standout features of the session was Spohrer’s introduction to the 4D Framework for AI Fluency, which offers a roadmap for successful GenAI usage. Participants learned essential techniques for effective prompt engineering, engaging in exercises to craft prompts that yield accurate and useful responses. Spohrer emphasized that with great power comes great responsibility, remarking, “GenAI works only with the information it has, and validity always comes with context.” This crucial reminder underlines the importance of verifying AI-generated content.
Tools of the Trade
Spohrer also distinguished between various AI models available to the college community. Microsoft Copilot shines in a range of Microsoft 365 applications, providing transparency about its logic. On the other hand, Adobe Firefly specializes in generating captivating images and videos, while BoodleBox, currently in pilot mode, offers a collaborative library of common Large Language Models for community members to explore together.
Elevating Meetings with Zoom AI Companion
After a break, Educational Technology Specialist Sean Keenan presented the innovative Zoom AI Companion, built directly into the Zoom platform. This tool synthesizes meeting notes, responds to questions, and creates task lists, letting users focus on the discussion rather than note-taking. “You no longer have to worry about what was asked of you during minute five of a two-hour long meeting,” Keenan explained, showcasing the practical advantages of using AI to enhance productivity.
Real-Life Applications of GenAI
A highlight of the event was learning about real-world applications of GenAI from EAST team members. Alyssa Pivirotto, Data Science Instructional Support Coordinator and Lecturer, shared her experience in developing a custom chatbot for her course on data feminism. The chatbot offered students thought-provoking case studies to encourage critical thinking about data ethics. “I hope exercises like this will encourage students to think critically about both generative AI and data ethics,” Pivirotto remarked, demonstrating the vast potential of GenAI in fostering meaningful educational experiences.
Looking Ahead
The workshops facilitated by EAST are just a glimpse into the transformative role GenAI can play in education and beyond. If you’re keen to explore more about Educational Technology events, be sure to check out sessions like "Introduction to ACCESS Resources," "Intro to Open Educational Resources," and "Using the Makerspace in Your Classes."
In the age of technology, staying informed and engaged with tools like GenAI not only enhances our professional capabilities but also enriches the learning environments we strive to cultivate at Bryn Mawr College.