Assisting, not replacing, thinking: Integrating AI into data-oriented classes

Teaching and Learning Transformation Center workshop for instructors:

How does the proliferation of generative AI affect programming, science, and other data-oriented classes? Since the long-term effects on student learning are still unknown, there are many differing opinions on what instructors should do in the classroom. Programming and science alike require critical thinking, repetition, and failure to grow. Tools that shorten or circumvent this process may cause anxiety about the quality of training of the future generation of scientists. In this workshop, we will discuss current research on AI in the classroom and consider the merits of various AI classroom policies in thest types of courses. Finally, use cases for instructors (e.g., generating ideas for classroom activities) and resources for students (e.g., a debugging code with AI guide) will be discussed.

Coffee and snacks will be provided.

Jacob Coutts is a Lecturer in the Social Data Science Major and in the Department of Psychology. This year, he is a USM Generative AI Pedagogy Fellow. He teaches data science, advanced statistical techniques, and research methods for undergraduate students. In the classroom, he relies on active learning techniques to make scientific and programming training more engaging for students. Outside of the classroom, he has presented numerous workshops on statistical techniques and pedagogy around the country. His research philosophy is to make advancements in statistical methodology and make those advancements accessible to other researchers through pedagogical papers and software development. To that end, he has created highly-cited software packages that simplify different estimates and models (e.g., reliability, mediation). Whether in the classroom with students, in a workshop with peers, or writing a manuscript, his goal is to equip others with skills and tools that make their work easier and more statistically sound. In his (non-existent) free-time, he enjoys movies, sports, and watching and performing stand-up comedy.

For more information about the TLTC, visit tltc.umd.edu.

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