This blog post was written by Michael D’Argenio, Instructor in the Department of Engineering & Computer Science at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. His session, Uncovering Pedagogical Best Practices in the Era of AI, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, November 7 at the Professional Conference.

AI is radically changing education. A few years back, generative AI could only conjure up mechanical and fairly nonsensical passages of text. Today, it is able to write cohesive essays and answer complex problems fundamentally changing how teachers can assess learning. These changes dramatically increased teachers’ workloads and forced us to change lesson plans and assignments without warning. It was the start of a new era. There were no guides to facing these new challenges. Teachers were forced to come up with solutions in isolation.

The goal of this workshop is to provide a place for teachers to share their experiences and collaborate on ideas that have served them well in this era. I will guide a conversation that reframes the impact of AI on the classroom as a liberatory force to free us from the clutches of poor pedagogical practices. We will avoid circular debates on the ethics of AI or its potential uses in education. Instead, we will face reality. AI has already infiltrated our classrooms. Where do we go from here?

AI ended the war on cheating. It is becoming easier with each passing day for students to cheat without fear of detection using AI. Instead of doubling-down on this game of cat-and-mouse in an attempt to further police academic dishonesty by assessing students solely via in-class exams or essays, let’s allow AI to liberate us. We no longer have to chase our tail. Students will cheat without fear of repercussions if it is prudent for them to do so. So how do we disincentivize cheating and incentivize learning?

Throughout the session, we will delve into why students cheat and examine strategies to disincentivize cheating by addressing issues such as a lack of relevance, an absence of social connection, academic overload, and a diversion of focus away from creative and critical thought. By uncovering the root causes of cheating and reframing the impact of AI as a liberatory force, we can shift our focus towards effective pedagogical practices that prioritize learning and engagement.

This workshop is directed towards teachers, but would benefit administrators who want to support the success of teachers and students in this new era. The session will serve as a collaborative space for educators to confront the challenges of AI in education and explore innovative solutions to promote learning. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, methodologies, and successful practices that foster a supportive learning environment conducive to showcasing students’ true abilities.

As a computer science teacher with a deep understanding of technology, a passion for engaged pedagogy, and firsthand experience with academic honesty issues, I believe I bring a unique perspective to this discussion. Together, let’s leverage the moment to empower educators and reshape the future of education in the era of AI.