(WIP) Developing a Generative AI Literacy Module for Engineering Graduate Teaching Assistants: A Model for Engineering Education

Abstract

This work-in-progress innovative paper presents the design and integration of an AI literacy module into an existing college of engineering graduate teaching seminar course at Penn State University. The generative AI module development is an effort to prepare the College of Engineering graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) for ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence in their role as Teaching Assistants (TAs) and graduate students. The widespread use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in industry and everyday life necessitates that engineering faculty and engineering GTAs who facilitate learning in higher education institutions be equipped with AI literacy skills. However, efforts toward AI literacy are minimal. By leveraging AI to enhance their pedagogy, faculty and GTA can maximize student learning and stay ahead as AI continues to push the boundaries of our discipline and refine what teaching and learning mean in the intelligence age. Therefore, it is important that Engineering GTAs, who play an intermediary role between the faculty and the students, be equipped with the necessary AI literacy skills to fulfill their role in the engineering classroom effectively. The AI module developed covers the following topics: AI tools for educational purposes, guidelines for acceptable AI tools, designing AI in and out of instruction, AI and academic integrity, and ethical use of AI. To evaluate the impact of the AI module on AI literacy development among GTAs, validated pre-surveys and post-surveys will be administered at the beginning and end of the semester, during the Spring semester and Fall semester of 2025. This work presents a model that can be used by the engineering education community to train both graduate and undergraduate students for effective, ethical, and responsible use of AI. An AI literacy model tailored to the engineering community is imperative to prepare engineering graduates who can address challenges in the intelligence age and function competently in the industry. Faculty can also benefit from going through the model.

Ähnliche Arbeiten