Embracing Skynet: Boosting Student Success with AI Tools

Concurrent Session 6

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

Unleash the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform online assessment in higher education! Gain insights on course mapping, aligned learning objectives, and assessments with AI tools. Elevate student success by bridging learning gaps and enhancing engagement. Embrace AI implementation strategies in this session and reimagine the future of online learning.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Thomas Penniston, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

As DoIT’s Coordinator of Learning Analytics, Dr. Penniston leverages institutional, academic, and learning analytics to inform course redesigns and improve student engagement and success. He collaborates closely with DoIT’s Analytics and Business Intelligence team, the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support (IRADS), and of course, faculty, including recipients of learning analytics 'mini-grants,' which are part of UMBC’s Learning Analytics Community of Practice. Tom has been involved in education for over two decades, teaching students ranging in age and skill-level from early elementary to doctoral, in both domestic and international settings (including as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Moldova). He has worked in online and blended learning in different capacities for 15 of those years as an instructor, builder, and administrator. In addition to writing analytics-related DoIT News stories, Tom has co-authored book chapters and peer-reviewed publications, and presents at conferences, including EDUCAUSE and American Educational Research Association (AERA). Tom earned his PhD through UMBC’s Language, Literacy, and Culture program, and has extensive experience with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs.

Extended Abstract

This session will focus on reimagining online assessment through the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in higher education. By harnessing AI tools, institutions can revolutionize student learning, streamline design processes, and unlock a multitude of benefits. This session will delve into the significance of incorporating AI in higher education, exploring three key learning outcomes. Specifically, by the conclusion of this transformative session, attendees will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage AI in the following ways:

  1. Course Mapping: Participants will learn how to implement course mapping using AI tools, enabling them to identify and address gaps in student learning. This process ensures alignment between learning objectives, assessments, and course content, leading to enhanced student outcomes.

  2. Aligned Learning Objectives: Through our guidance, participants will gain the ability to write clear and measurable learning objectives that align seamlessly with assessments and course content. AI tools will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of these objectives, empowering educators to optimize student engagement and course outcomes.

  3. Aligned Assessments: Attendees will acquire the expertise to create assessments that align with both course and unit-level mapping. AI tools will facilitate the process, ensuring that assessments effectively measure student learning outcomes. This comprehensive approach to assessment design will enable educators to gauge student progress accurately.

To begin, we will delve into the remarkable capacity of AI for course mapping. Course mapping involves aligning learning objectives, assessments, and course content to ensure coherence and identify areas for improvement in student learning. Through step-by-step guidance, we will demonstrate how AI tools can be utilized to create comprehensive course maps, empowering educators to optimize student learning outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of course mapping, we will highlight its potential to bolster student retention rates and amplify graduation rates.

Next, we will discuss crafting clear, measurable learning objectives that align with assessments and course content. Learning objectives act as guideposts, defining the skills and knowledge students should acquire throughout a course or unit. We will explore best practices for formulating precise and aligned learning objectives, showcasing how AI tools can evaluate their effectiveness. By cultivating well-designed learning objectives, educators can pave the way for improved course outcomes and heightened student engagement.

Finally, we will uncover the untapped potential of AI tools in developing assessments that align seamlessly with course and unit-level mapping. Assessments play a pivotal role in the learning process and must harmonize with course objectives and content. Our session will offer a step-by-step guide on leveraging AI tools to create assessments that align with course and unit-level mapping. We will delve into the most effective assessment types for measuring student learning outcomes, fostering a comprehensive understanding of assessment design.

This session specifically caters to higher education IT professionals keen on harnessing AI to bolster student success. Attendees will gain practical strategies and tools for implementing AI within their institutions, all while discovering the potential benefits of AI-driven student support. As the session concludes, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session and share their own experiences and insights on utilizing AI to foster student success. Together, we will reshape online assessment, unlocking its full potential with the power of artificial intelligence.