UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Stephen Monroe, chair and assistant professor of writing and rhetoric at the University of Mississippi (UM), will present "Pilot, Don’t Panic: Advice for Teaching with AI Writing Generators" on April 24. His presentation is hosted by Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) during their spring Dreamery Speaker Series.
Monroe co-chairs the AI Writing Task Force at UM, which has worked since last year to plan and pilot new pedagogies. A traditional teacher who embraces technology, his previous work in open educational resources was funded by the Hewlett Foundation and in adaptive courseware by the APLU and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Monroe is an affiliated faculty member in the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and steering committee member at the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies. Monroe also serves as director of the Willie Morris Awards for Southern Writing.
The event, to be held in-person in the Dreamery, will include:
- 1 p.m. — TLT will host an introduction to AI (artificial intelligence) for faculty and staff to explore text generators 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. Additionally, he will discuss his experience exploring AI text generators as a founding member of the University’s AI working group. He will also 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.
Dreamery Series Speaker April 25
To complement the Dreamery Speaker Series event on Monday, TLT is hosting two additional informal conversations focused on AI in higher education with the Dreamery Series Speaker, Stephen Monroe, on Tuesday, April 25. Light breakfast will be provided.
- 9:15 a.m. — "AI Policies and Ethics" — This conversation provides an opportunity for TLT and Penn State community members to discuss current opportunities and challenges regarding how AI generators will impact policy decisions and ethical considerations within higher education teaching and learning.
- 10:15 a.m. — "The Future of AI" — This conversation provides an opportunity for TLT and Penn State community members to discuss the future of AI and how it can be leveraged within higher education and teaching and learning.
In-person attendance at the Dreamery on the lower level of the Shields Building is encouraged. Alternatively, a virtual option will be available for attendees located across the commonwealth.
To register for the events, please complete the Dreamery Speaker Series with Stephen Monroe registration form.