Dr. C. Edward Watson

Opening Keynote: Dr. C. Edward Watson

Title: Pedagogical Practice in the New Era of AI

Abstract
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others, have had an astonishingly quick impact on the ways we learn, work, think, and create, and this evolution is clearly apparent on college campuses.  As early as January 2023, approximately 9 out of 10 college students reported using ChatGPT, and that number, as well as student competency with AI, has only grown since then. Throughout the academic year, AI will be present in our classrooms, and there are a range of opportunities and challenges as a result.  Drawing from the presenter’s new book, Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning (Johns Hopkins University Press), this keynote is designed to provide participants with clear guidance as they prepare for the coming semester.  After a brief overview of the AI landscape, this session will shift to provide clear recommendations for pedagogical and classroom practice, including policy decisions, syllabus statements, grading, and academic integrity.  Assignment design will be a hallmark of this keynote, and attendees can anticipate a discussion of if, when, and how we might embrace AI to achieve the learning goals of our course.  Examples will be provided throughout.