Teaching in Higher Ed

Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and influential figure in AI, teams up with Alex Hanna, director of research at DAIR, to dissect the misconceptions surrounding artificial intelligence. They discuss the urgent need for clarity in AI terminology and the societal impact of technology hype. The duo challenges the dichotomy between optimistic and pessimistic views on AI and highlights how educators must navigate its impact on teaching and student engagement. Their insights encourage a community-focused approach to understanding and regulating AI developments.

Rolin Moe, an education administrator focused on digital innovation, discusses the importance of rebuilding trust in education. He shares personal anecdotes that reflect on flexible teaching approaches and the joy of helping students discover new passions. In a thought-provoking segment, Moe explores the role of AI in transforming higher education and emphasizes the need for emotional connections in learning. He also highlights how board games like Wingspan can enhance education by fostering creativity and social interaction.

Alex Edmans shares about his book, May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It on episode 574 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode We think a lie is basically the opposite of truth. So something is a lie if you can disprove it factually. -Alex Edmans What I focus on in my book is a more subtle form of a lie where something could be 100% accurate, but the inferences that we draw from them might be misleading. -Alex Edmans It’s not that they’re bad people, it’s that they’re people, they’re humans. And if we’re a person, we have biases. -Alex Edmans What I’m trying to highlight is the importance of being discerning. We want to have healthy skepticism, but we want to have the same healthy skepticism to something that we do like as something that we don’t. -Alex Edmans Resources May Contain Lies: How stories, statistics and studies exploit our biases — and what we can do about it, by Alex Edmans Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell Cookie Monster Practices Self-Regulation | Life Kit Parenting | NPR Addiction Rare in Patients Treated with Narcotics Taking A Mosaic Approach to AI in the Writing Classroom, presented by Chris Ostro All Else Equal Podcast A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara

Tolu Noah, Instructional Learning Spaces Coordinator at California State University, Long Beach and author of "Designing and Facilitating Workshops with Intentionality," shares her expertise on crafting enriching learning experiences. She emphasizes the importance of clear goals and adaptability in planning. Insights on effective timing and managing participant dynamics are discussed, along with digital tools like Padlet and Session Lab that enhance engagement. Tolu also reflects on the emotional journey of embracing cultural heritage through language learning.

Leon Furze, an international consultant and PhD student, explores the implications of generative AI in education. He discusses the necessity for educators to embrace AI rather than resist it, highlighting the balance between moral stances and teaching responsibilities. Furze connects ancient mythology with modern AI discussions, emphasizing the importance of critical AI literacy. He advocates for subject matter expertise in teaching, ensuring that passionate educators weave AI into their curricula effectively. Ethical considerations and the role of wearable technology in education also feature prominently in this thought-provoking conversation.

Jackie Shay, an assistant teaching professor in ecology and marine biology at UC Santa Barbara, passionately discusses overcoming imposter syndrome through joyful curiosity. She emphasizes the need for inclusive education that values diverse intelligences and encourages personal growth. Jackie shares how emotional intelligence and a beginner's mindset can help navigate feelings of inadequacy. She highlights the importance of fostering connections in learning and the joy found in new experiences, particularly through activities like basketball.

Laura Gibbs, a former faculty member at the University of Oklahoma, shares her expertise in interactive storytelling and its application across disciplines. She discusses the impact of 100-word stories on student engagement and creativity. Gibbs reveals the power of structured narratives in teaching, emphasizing choice and consequence in storytelling. She also reflects on the integration of AI tools in education, encouraging authentic expression. With insights into using platforms like Twine, Gibbs inspires listeners to embrace storytelling as a vital component of academic work.

Mike Perkins, an associate professor focused on Gen AI policy at British University Vietnam, and Jasper Roe, an assistant professor at Durham University specializing in digital literacies, delve into ethical AI integration in education. They discuss a practical AI assessment scale designed to promote transparency and integrity while fostering open conversations about AI's role. Topics also include tackling biases, enhancing critical thinking, and the decline of AI hallucinations. Together, they advocate for a balanced approach to integrating AI in academic settings.

Tricia Bertram Gallant, an expert in academic integrity, and David Rettinger, a psychology professor specializing in students' behaviors, share insights on fostering integrity in education now that AI is prevalent. They discuss the societal pressures that lead to cheating and emphasize the importance of treating students with dignity, even when addressing mistakes. The duo advocates for innovative assessment methods that prioritize genuine understanding and encourage a supportive environment that nurtures ethical behavior among students.

Therese Huston, a cognitive neuroscientist and faculty development consultant, discusses practical strategies to enhance cognitive function. She highlights the surprising benefits of visualization in boosting productivity and the notable impact of just five minutes of meditation on memory recall. Huston also emphasizes the importance of focusing on the process over the outcome and shares how listening to emotionally resonant music can elevate dopamine levels. Her insights offer valuable tools for educators and anyone looking to keep their brains sharp.