Information Technology

Penn State to host discussions on AI in education

Sarah Eaton and Stephen Monroe Credit: Sarah Eaton and Stephen MonroeAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two discussions related to the use of artificial intelligence in education are planned this spring, one via Zoom and the other in person.

'Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence: Writing New Stories'

The rise of text generators like Chat GPT have created opportunities and challenges for educators, particularly related to academic integrity. On March 16, the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence-funded Teaching Community of Academic Integrity Leaders will host a presentation by Sarah Eaton on "Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence: Writing New Stories."

Eaton is associate professor of education at the University of Calgary and is leading a large multidisciplinary study analyzing faculty assessment of algorithmic writing. In her presentation, she will share evidence-based research findings and practical teaching advice for educators, in hopes of broadening and deepening understandings of these new technologies.

Eaton is one of the foremost scholars in academic integrity and educational ethics. She is editor-in-chief of the International Journal on Educational Integrity. She has written several books, including "Fake Degrees and Fraudulent Credentials in Higher Education" (2023), "Contract Cheating in Higher Education: Global Perspectives on Theory, Practice, and Policy" (2022) and "Plagiarism in Higher Education: Tackling Tough Topics in Academic Integrity" (2021). She also authors the popular blog "Learning, Writing and Leadership."

Eaton's presentation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. March 16 via Zoom. To register, complete the Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence: Writing New Stories registration form.  

Her presentation also is supported by the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response. 

'Pilot, Don’t Panic: Advice for Teaching with AI Writing Generators'

Stephen Monroe, chair and assistant professor of writing and rhetoric at the University of Mississippi, will present on "Pilot, Don’t Panic: Advice for Teaching with AI Writing Generators" from 1 to 4:15 p.m. on April 24. His presentation will be hosted by Teaching and Learning with Technology during its spring Dreamery Speaker Series.

The event, in person in the Dreamery, will include:

  • 1 p.m.: TLT will host an introduction to AI for faculty and staff to explore text generator and art creation tools. 
  • 2 p.m.: Monroe will present on how instructors can be proactive in their approach to AI text generator tools and shift the perspective to teaching students data literacy through these tools. He will discuss his experience exploring AI text generators as a founding member of the University’s AI working group. He also will share early insights from the working group, available AI tools and their functions, teaching opportunities based on his experiences, and areas of concern with the rise of AI in the classroom.
  • 3:15 p.m.: Attendees are invited to network after the presentation. Light refreshments will be provided.  

In-person attendance at the Dreamery on the lower level of the Shields Building is encouraged. A virtual option will be available for attendees located across the commonwealth.

To register, complete the Dreamery Speaker Series with Stephen Monroe registration form.

Last Updated March 14, 2023