Workshop on Generative AI and Teaching

19 June 2023 | USI - Università della Svizzera italiana (Lugano Campus west, Executive Centre, "Blue room")

Call for Contributions

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force with the potential to revolutionize simultaneously the process of knowledge delivery and the very nature of the educational product itself. As educators, researchers, and professionals, we recognize the significance of this disruption and its profound implications for teaching. USI has a strong tradition in AI research: two of the most important algorithms that power today’s AI had been conceived by Jürgen Schmidhuber of the IDSIA institute. In light of this, we are excited to announce the upcoming workshop on Generative AI and its impact on higher education. This workshop aims to explore innovative applications and exchange experiences and reflections surrounding the integration of Generative AI in teaching practices. We invite you to contribute your valuable insights and join us in shaping the future of education in the era of Generative AI.

Topics:

1. Applications of Generative AI in Teaching: Describe how you have incorporated Generative AI tools, techniques, or platforms into your instructional practices. Discuss whether and how these tools have enhanced teaching efficiency, student engagement, creativity, or problem-solving skills. We especially welcome reports on failed projects and the lessons learned.
2. Impact of Generative AI on curricula: Discuss whether and how curricula should be adapted to a world in which many of the skills that are part of curricula can be automated by AI. Present the state of the institutional discussion or draft plans to adapt curricula.
3. Reflections on Technological Disruption in Higher Education: Share your broader reflections or concrete institutional plans on the implications of Generative AI as a disruptive technology in education. Discuss ethical considerations, as well as institutional opportunities and challenges arising from the use of AI in teaching. Offer your insights into how educators and institutions can navigate this technological disruption effectively and responsibly.

Submission Guidelines:

• Submissions should be in the form of an extended abstract of 1/2 to 1 page.
• Please include your name, affiliation, and contact information with your submission.
• Send your submission to [email protected]
• There are no fees for submission or participation

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: 9 June 2023
• Notification of Acceptance: 13 June 2023
• Workshop Date: 19 June 2023

We welcome diverse perspectives and encourage submissions from lecturers at all levels, researchers, professionals, and other stakeholders interested in the intersection of Generative AI and teaching.

Selected contributions will be presented during the workshop with ample opportunity for discussion. Emphasis is placed on an exchange of experiences and views to collectively explore the potential of Generative AI in educational settings.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and fostering a vibrant dialogue on Generative AI in teaching. For any inquiries or submission-related questions, please contact [email protected]

Workshop organizers: Peter Gruber, Stefano Tardini, Branislava Trifkovic

Programme

12.30 - 13.30: Opening lunch (meeting point in front of the Auditorium, USI Campus west, 1st floor)

13.30 - 13.40: Welcome (Stefano Tardini, USI)

13.40 - 14.15: Tools for teaching: from tacit knowledge to efficient use of Generative AI (Peter Gruber, USI)

14.15 - 14.50: Towards an Ethical Framework in Relation to Generative AI-Tools in Higher Education – A Discussion (Sebastian Meisel, Rene Schegg, UNISG)

14.50 - 15.25: Experimenting with ChatGPT in the teaching of argumentative writing (and the need of a systematic evaluation of LLMs as arguers) - (Andrea Rocci, Giulia D'Agostino, USI)

15.25 - 15.40: Coffee break

15.40 - 16.15: Applications of generative AI in teaching from a student's perspective (Leonardo Zambaiti, USI)

16.15 - 16.50: First experiences from AI projects in teaching (Omar Parrini, Porini S.r.l, Milano)

16.50 - 17.35: Round table: Implications of Generative AI on university strategy (Chair: Peter Gruber, USI)

17.35 - 17.45: Closing