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Now we’ve covered substantial ground together from understanding what generative AI actually is to getting hands-on experience with tools to thinking critically about the limitations and ethical considerations of AI use. But the real exploration, that’s gonna begin now in your own teaching or education context with your own learners, guided by your own values. Now, here’s what I hope you carry forward in all those contexts, AI can enhance thoughtful teaching and not replace it. The most effective AI implementations I’ve encountered don’t change what educators value the most, things like inspiring students, fostering critical thinking, building meaningful learning experiences. Instead, they provide new ways to approach what seems like timeless educational goals.
Think about it this way, when we gained access to vast digital libraries, we didn’t stop valuing careful research and critical evaluation of sources. Instead, we’ve developed new skills for navigating information abundance. AI and education is similar. We’re not replacing human wisdom and pedagogical expertise, we’re developing new ways to leverage these capabilities. Now, one example off the top of my head is that in my writing courses, it used to be that we only used institutionally available library databases to do our sourced research. And now I teach my learners how to use Google Scholar. We can still use the database at the library of the institution, but there’s also a free tool available to learners that makes information a little more accessible, and honestly, because of that, a little more equitable.
Now, there are still gonna be ongoing questions to navigate. Issues around academic integrity will continue to evolve. The impact on the environment will continue to evolve. We’re going to need to remain thoughtful about things like bias and accuracy. New tools are gonna keep emerging and better practices will keep developing. But this isn’t a problem to solve once and forget, this is education itself. We’ve always been adapting our methods, always been learning new approaches, and always been growing in our own professional practice. That’s why we’re here altogether at OneHE. The fact that you’ve engaged with this course tells me something important about you as an educator, you’re curious about new possibilities for supporting student learning, you’re willing to explore unfamiliar territory in the service of your teaching goals, and you approach innovation thoughtfully with appropriate questions and considerations. And these qualities are gonna serve you well in any technological or pedagogical landscape.
So here’s my final invitation for you, try one thing, just one. Maybe it’s using AI to brainstorm different approaches to a challenging topic, maybe it’s exploring how AI might help you think through more effective learner feedback on an assignment, maybe it’s simply having a conversation with AI about a teaching question you’re wrestling with. Start small, stay curious, and remember, there’s no timeline that you need to follow except your own. Move at your pace in alignment with your values and in the service of your learners. And as the future of education continues to unfold, you’re going to be a part of that story no matter which path you choose. If you choose AI, you’re part of the future not because you’re adopting the latest hip technology, but because you’re committed to the essential work of helping others learn, discover and reach their potential. Now, thanks for taking this journey with me. I’m excited to see what discoveries await you as you explore these new formats in your own teaching practice. See you next time.
As we conclude this introduction to generative AI for educators, here are the essential takeaways to guide your next steps with these powerful tools.
- Start small and experiment safely. GenAI is best approached through low-stakes experimentation – begin with simple tasks like brainstorming discussion questions or organizing content, then gradually expand your use as you build confidence and understanding.
- AI enhances, not replaces, good teaching. Think of GenAI as a collaborative partner that can help with content creation and administrative tasks, freeing you to focus on the uniquely human aspects of education—mentoring, inspiration, and building meaningful relationships with students.
- Critical evaluation is essential. Always review, verify, and adapt AI-generated content before using it in your teaching context. Understanding AI’s limitations—including bias and accuracy issues—makes you a more effective and responsible user.
Generative AI is rapidly evolving, and so are the ways educators use it. The skills you’ve developed in this course – prompt writing, critical evaluation, and thoughtful integration – will serve you well as new tools and capabilities emerge.
Remember that there’s no “right” way to use AI in education. Your teaching philosophy, student needs, and institutional context should guide your decisions about when and how to incorporate these tools into your practice.
Discussions
Based on what you've learned in this course, what's one specific way you plan to experiment with GenAI in your teaching?
Please share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.