The Disruptive Power of Generative AI

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), like ChatGPT, challenges traditional college assessment methods, risking the accuracy of student evaluations. AI tools can complete tests and assignments, potentially obscuring a student’s true understanding and effort. Acknowledging this issue is crucial for maintaining the integrity of academic assessments. Educators must adapt their evaluation strategies to ensure they still reflect genuine student learning, despite AI’s influence.

On the three pages linked below, we offer suggestions and examples of assessment designs across three key areas: Discussion Board Design Assignment Design, and Test Design. Each sub-page is dedicated to presenting innovative strategies for creating engaging and effective assessments tailored to college courses, along with real-world examples from faculty who have successfully implemented these approaches.

Here we demonstrate how students might use these tools in ways that won’t reflect what they have learned.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI), like ChatGPT, challenges traditional college assessment methods, risking the accuracy of student evaluations. AI tools can complete tests and assignments, potentially obscuring a student’s true understanding and effort. Acknowledging this issue is crucial for maintaining the integrity of academic assessments. Educators must adapt their evaluation strategies to ensure they still reflect genuine student learning, despite AI’s influence.

On the three pages linked below, we offer suggestions and examples of assessment designs across three key areas: Discussion Board Design Assignment Design, and Test Design. Each sub-page is dedicated to presenting innovative strategies for creating engaging and effective assessments tailored to college courses, along with real-world examples from faculty who have successfully implemented these approaches.

Here we demonstrate how students might use these tools in ways that won’t reflect what they have learned.


Using GenAI to Improve Assignments

As we continue to integrate technology into education, AI tools offer exciting opportunities to improve the design and effectiveness of assignments. The following resource provides a series of prompts that educators can use to leverage AI in refining their assignments. These prompts aim to enhance active learning, increase student engagement, improve clarity, and make general improvements to the assignments. By asking the right questions, you can transform your assignments into dynamic learning experiences that cater to diverse student needs and promote deeper understanding.

Prompts for Improving Clarity

Clear and concise instructions help to set up students for success. These prompts help you rewrite and organize assignment guidelines, ensuring that students understand the requirements and can follow them with ease. Providing examples and breaking down tasks into manageable steps are also covered to enhance clarity.

  • How can I rewrite the instructions for this assignment to make them clearer and more concise?
  • What are some examples or templates I can provide to help students understand this assignment better?
  • How can I organize the assignment requirements to make them easier for students to follow?
  • Suggest ways to break down this assignment into smaller, manageable steps for better clarity.
  • Suggest ways to offer scaffolding or support for students who may struggle with this assignment.

Prompts for Increasing Student Engagement

Use these prompts to make your assignments more appealing and relevant. These questions will guide you in integrating real-world applications, multimedia elements, and creative presentation methods to capture and maintain students’ interest.

  • How can I make this assignment more relevant and interesting to students?
  • What are some creative ways to present this assignment to capture students’ attention?
  • How can I incorporate gamification elements into this assignment to boost motivation?
  • Suggest ways to include real-world applications or case studies in this assignment.
  • How can I incorporate multimedia elements (videos, podcasts, infographics) into this assignment to increase engagement?
  • Suggest methods to incorporate student choice and autonomy in this assignment to increase ownership and interest.

Prompts for Enhancing Active Learning

Active learning strategies foster student participation and critical thinking. Prompts in this section will help you modify assignments to encourage more interactive and engaging activities, ensuring that students are not just passive recipients of information but active contributors to their learning process.

  • How can I modify this assignment to promote more active learning among students?
  • What interactive activities can I incorporate into this assignment to make it more engaging?
  • What problem-based learning scenarios can I introduce to this assignment to challenge students?
  • How do I incorporate role-playing or simulations to make this assignment more immersive?
  • Suggest ways to turn this assignment into a collaborative group project.
  • How can I use technology or digital tools to enhance the active learning component of this assignment?
  • What are ways I can integrate hands-on activities or experiments into this assignment to reinforce key concepts?

General Improvement Prompts

Beyond specific enhancements, there are broader aspects of assignments that can benefit from AI tools. Prompts in this section focus on assessing critical thinking skills, incorporating peer review, encouraging reflective thinking, and ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. These improvements can help create a more comprehensive and supportive learning environment.

  • How can I modify this assignment to better assess students’ critical thinking skills?
  • What are some ways to incorporate peer review into this assignment?
  • How can I design this assignment to encourage reflective thinking and self-assessment among students?
  • Suggest modifications to this assignment that would make it more inclusive and accessible to all students.
  • How can I adjust this assignment to better align with learning objectives and outcomes?
    • Note: Requires you to include the learning objectives with your prompt.
  • How can I integrate formative feedback opportunities throughout this assignment to guide student learning?