GenAI for Course Design

One of my main goals for this blog was to focus on a “just-in-time” approach for educators, meaning I would try to share research and resources at the most ideal time for each of you to integrate into your teaching. I also try not to be too repetitive on the topics, however, with generative AI (GenAI) dominating the teaching research, I feel compelled to share updated information. So, this week I would like to share an article that came out this week entitled, “Embracing generative AI as a co-design partner for designing and developing courses” by McInnes (2023).

The author shares two main areas where GenAI can support course design - the development of learning artifacts, such as graphics, and interactive content; and to streamline administrative tasks. Specifically, he suggested using GenAI to create efficiencies in:

Rewriting information for different audiences.
Changing the tone and adapting to make it more suitable for all learners.
Writing course emails and announcements.
Updating course learning outcomes.
Refining video scripts to make them more easily readable.
Developing drafts of course content for artifacts such as rubrics.
Writing narrative to link topic content through summary text.
Generating summaries of articles.

We could use GenAI to enhance content by:

Suggesting ideas for graphics to enhance processing.
Creating ways to make content more engaging through the use of simulations.
Creating analogies to turn abstract concepts into concrete ones.
Generating reflective questions based on course readings.
Generating learning tasks and feedback based on existing content.
Generating engaging video scripts.
Generating case studies based on existing concepts.

The author closes by reminding us that GenAI can only be as good as we use it. “Human oversight remains crucial, as it adds creativity [and social emotional connection] that exceeds the capabilities of GenAI.”

References

McInnes, R. (2023). Embracing generative AI as a co-design partner for designing and developing courses. Retrieved at https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/embracing-generative-ai-codesign-partner-designing-and-developing-courses