The MAA Ohio Section Summer Short Course, entitled AI Essentials: Getting Up to Speed for Informed Decisions, led by Lew Ludwig of Denison University will take place May 20 - 22 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm EDT. The short course will be held online. The cost for early registration is $75.00 and ends on May 6. After May 6, the cost for registration is $100. Space is limited. You can register for the Short Course here which is also on the Ohio Section website. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Anderson at jim.anderson@utoledo.edu or Lew Ludwig at ludwigl@denison.edu.
Lew LudwigLew Ludwig, Director of the Center for Learning and Teaching and Professor of Mathematics at Denison University, is recognized for his leadership in educational development, particularly in the integration of generative AI into higher education. With over 40 workshops to his credit, he has shared his expertise on both local and national stages. In 2021, he was honored with the POD Innovation Award for a pioneering faculty development program. Skilled in creating webinars and workshops, Lew is passionate about advancing mathematics education through innovative teaching methodologies and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Overview: Are you hesitant about integrating AI into your courses? Uncertain how it can be utilized effectively in academia? You're not alone. Many educators feel overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications for teaching and research.
Course Details: Join us for a comprehensive three-day course, two hours each day, designed to demystify AI and empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about its use. We'll start with an introduction to Large Language Models, explaining how they work and the ethical considerations they entail.
Hands-On Experience: The course will quickly pivot to hands-on sessions with these AI models. You'll gain firsthand experience to understand their capabilities and limitations. This practical exposure is crucial for evaluating how AI can enhance your professional tasks—from developing course materials and improving annual reports to assisting in research tasks like literature reviews and grant proposal assessments.
Application in Education and Research: We'll explore potential applications of AI in academia, such as:
- Creating personalized learning assistants for students.
- Utilizing AI tools to streamline course content creation.
- Leveraging AI for efficient research tasks such as literature reviews and vetting grant proposals.
Outcome: By the end of this course, you will have a clear understanding of when and how AI can be beneficial in your teaching and research activities. You will also learn strategies to guide your students in the responsible use of AI tools.
Recommendation: While no prior experience with AI is required, participants are strongly encouraged to subscribe to a premium AI service like ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, or Gemini Advanced, each available at approximately $20/month. This investment will enable you to experience the full capabilities of advanced AI models during the course.
Please Note: This course acknowledges the practical limitations of controlling technology use outside the classroom. Instead of attempting to AI-proof assignments, we focus on informed usage and ethical considerations.