The second part of the episode focuses on the practical applications and implications of AI in the humanities. The professors discuss specific classroom activities and assignments that incorporate AI, such as using AI tools for writing, creating images, and enhancing language learning. They explore the ethical challenges and biases associated with AI, and how these issues are addressed in their teaching. The conversation also covers the importance of preparing students for the workforce by developing critical thinking, ethical use of AI, and other essential skills. The episode concludes with reflections on the future role of AI in the humanities and advice for other educators who are hesitant to integrate AI into their teaching.

Faculty contact information:
Dr. Ju-A Hwang: jahwang@udel.edu
Dr. Meghan McInnis-Dominguez: mmd@udel.edu, YouTube Channel | AI for the Humanities
Dr. Alison Terndrup: terndrup@udel.edu
Persephone Braham: braham@udel.edu

In the first part of the episode, 4 humanities professors, Alison, Persepone, Ju-A, and Meghan introduce themselves and share their initial reactions to using AI in their teaching practices. They discuss their initial fears, challenges, and motivations for experimenting with AI, highlighting the mixed emotions of excitement and hesitation. The conversation delves into how they navigated AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the development of AI policies in their classrooms. The professors share personal anecdotes about their journey from skepticism to curiosity and action, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI's capabilities with the essential human aspects of teaching, learning, and creativity.

In the first part of this podcast episode, Mathieu Plourde reflects on the impact of generative AI on higher education. Mathieu shares his extensive background in instructional design and educational technology, highlighting his work at the University of Delaware as well as his current institution, in the College of Business at Laval University in Quebec City, Quebec. The conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid adoption of AI tools, comparing it to the sudden shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathieu emphasizes the need for academia to balance innovation with careful consideration, noting that institutions are designed to be resilient and deliberate in their adoption of new technologies. He also discusses the polarized opinions among faculty regarding AI, the increased ease of cheating, and the importance of maintaining academic integrity. The discussion underscores the role of instructional designers in guiding faculty through these changes and the potential for AI to enhance, rather than replace, the human elements of teaching and learning.