ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT NORTHWESTERN

Engage GAI as a Partner

Generative AI can be a teaching preparation partner, shortening the time instructors spend on creating course materials, coming up with examples and assignments, as well as making grading more efficient. Saving time on these tasks will allow instructors more time for meaningful interactions with students. As with all things related to GAI, instructors should be sure to refrain from submitting private data to AI tools and also check all output for accuracy and bias. Please see the Northwestern IT Guidance on the Use of Generative AI for a description of data approved for use with generative AI.

Tips for Using GAI as a Teaching Preparation Partner

Here are a few examples and ideas for using GAI in course preparation:

Generating examples

This prompt will allow instructors to generate clear, accurate examples of concepts for a student audience. It will also provide analogies so that the instructor can explain the concept in different ways.

Write assignment instructions and a rubric

Use these prompts to write an assignment and a rubric that can be used for feedback and scoring.

Create a low-stakes quiz

This prompt will create a multiple-choice quiz on a subject of an instructor's choice. With some extra instructions, an LLM can create the questions in a format that can be imported into Canvas.

Brainstorm class instruction techniques

Use this prompt to generate ideas for the class session that include the techniques of direct instruction, active learning, retrieval practice, formative assessment, low-stakes testing, interleaving, and uncovering misconceptions.

Generate images for PowerPoint

These prompts for tools like Dall-E and Bing Image Creator can help instructors make images for PowerPoint slides without the need to find copyright-free material. These can be useful tools when representing information in multiple ways.

Remember that LLMs sometimes misinterpret what you ask of them. You may need to refine or adjust your request - "no, the quiz should not include open-ended questions" - to make it perform the way you intend. In addition, you should double-check any information such as quiz questions for accuracy and bias. Finally, we also suggest modeling transparency for your students by explaining your use of generative AI and using the citation guides available from the Northwestern Library.