Teaching and Learning with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

See below what the Center for Faculty Excellence is offering in AI Programming!

“Playing with AI” is a series of interactive virtual sessions designed to introduce faculty to innovative AI tools and applications that can enhance teaching and research practices. Led by AI Faculty Fellow Dr. Mark Mabrito, Professor of English, each session features hands-on exploration of AI tools, with guidance on how to effectively incorporate them into your academic work. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge technologies in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Active participants will earn digital micro-credentials (badges), which serve as a recognition of their engagement and proficiency in utilizing AI tools. These badges can be displayed on professional profiles, such as LinkedIn and included in CVs or resumes to showcase their commitment to continuous learning and innovation in their teaching and research practices.

Monday, February 10, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Virtual – Talk to Me! AI to Interact/Converse with Source Material
Thursday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Virtual – Help Me! AI as a Research Assistant
Wednesday, March 5, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Virtual – Feedback Me! AI for Grading and Student Feedback
Tuesday, March 11, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Virtual – Teach Me! AI to Assist in the Research Process
Thursday, April 3, noon to 1 p.m., Virtual – Visualize Me! AI for Mind Mapping and Interacting with the World
Monday, April 21, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Virtual – Create Me! Creating Custom Agents

For more information on each session, including the tools featured, logistics and digital micro-credentials (badges) visit the Playing with AI – Spring 2025 Google document.

Learn (more) about the many uses and perspectives on Artificial Intelligence from PNW students, faculty and staff in this series of virtual events. The AI Afternoon Insights series explores the diverse applications and viewpoints of Artificial Intelligence (AI) around PNW.

2025 Afternoon Insights Sessions

March 27, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Tyler Lennox Bush, Visiting Instructor of Communication and Creative Arts, will discuss his experiences using Generative AI in Communication and Creative Arts. He will share insights on how GenAI tools such as Adobe Firefly, DALL-E and Midjourney have potential for teaching creative development, visual communication and interdisciplinary integration while also addressing accessibility, ethical considerations and challenges associated with these technologies

Previous AI Afternoon Insights Sessions

Fall 2024 Sessions

Farai Gombedza, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Vanessa Quinn, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences & Professor of Biological – In this event, Farai Gombedza and Vanessa Quinn discussed their experiences using AI in teaching STEM disciplines. They shared insights on integrating AI in the classroom and its implications for student success and learning.
Chun Liu, Assistant Professor of Social Work – In this particular event, Chun Liu discussed his experiences using ChatGPT in the field of Social Work. He provided an overview of AI, specifically ChatGPT, explored ethical aspects of AI usage and shared his insights on how professors could utilize AI for teaching and research.
PNW Writing Center Tutors – In this particular event, PNW Writing Center Tutors discussed their experiences using AI both as students and as Writing Tutors. They provided an overview of AI and its resources and shared their insights on how students are utilizing AI, aiming to expand the dialogue on AI usage at PNW.

Curious about how AI can enhance teaching, learning and productivity? Join us for AI Tool Speed Dating, a fast-paced and interactive event where you’ll get a whirlwind introduction to a variety of AI tools. In each round, presenters will have just 3 to 5 minutes to showcase an AI tool, demonstrate its key features and highlight its practical applications. After several rounds, you’ll have the chance to revisit the tools that caught your interest for deeper discussions. Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting with it, this event is designed to spark ideas, foster connections and help you find the right AI tools to support your work.

This event is being held as part of the Celebrating Excellence: Taking Pride in Our Teaching event on April 18, 2025.

Are you ready to explore new teaching methods in the context of generative AI? Participate in the CFE workshop series, “Collaborating with Generative AI in the Classroom,” and discover how to harness the potential of AI to enhance learning outcomes and foster critical thinking. This four-series workshop, facilitated by AI Faculty Fellow Mark Mabrito, Professor of English, explores the skills and knowledge needed to integrate Generative AI into the curriculum seamlessly.

Earn digital micro-credentials (badges) for your active participation in each workshop and a certificate upon completion all four workshops. The digital badges can be displayed on professional profiles, such as LinkedIn and included in CVs or resumes to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and innovation in your teaching and research practices.

Learn more on the workshop series webpage!

Here’s what you can expect:

Workshop 1: Introduction to GenAI and Prompt Crafting
- Learn the art of crafting effective prompts. Explore various AI models and discover how to leverage them for classroom activities.
Workshop 2: Promoting Transparency and Critical Thinking
- Uncover strategies to enhance existing assignments (or create new ones) with AI while promoting transparency and critical thinking. Learn about cognitive offloading and create AI-enhanced assignments that challenge your students.
Workshop 3: Refining and Assessing AI-Enhanced Assignments
- Explore custom AI tools to supercharge your assignments and develop rubrics for fair assessment. Reflect on the possibilities and challenges of implementing AI in your classroom.
Workshop 4: Show and Tell Session
- Showcase your newly created AI-enhanced projects and receive feedback from your peers.

Throughout the workshop, you’ll have access to various resources, including handouts, examples and practical exercises. By the end of the series, you’ll have created an original assignment that strategically incorporates GenAI, aligning with best practices and student learning outcomes.