Case Studies

Student – Student Research

Strategy: Support Student Research and Study Practices

Generative AI tools can be leveraged to empower students to explore and vet AI-generated content, fostering critical thinking and supporting the ethical use of AI in research and learning.

course landing page banner with words digital identity

Course: EME4390 Digital Identity

Dr. James Hatten sought to integrate generative AI into his course on digital identity, which explores how modern digital identity is impacted by emerging technologies. Learning designer Meghan Wieckowski proposed multiple innovative solutions to support this integration. In one assignment, students first watched a Black Mirror episode and took notes, and then asked ChatGPT to generate a review based on their notes. Students then critically evaluated the AI-generated reviews based on their own observations, creating a responsive and personalized interaction loop between the student and the AI program. In another assignment, students prompted ChatGPT to create a timeline of social media history, which the students subsequently fact-checked and enhanced with additional research on the subject. These activities not only introduced students to AI tools but also encouraged critical thinking and deeper engagement with digital identity topics. 

Tool Used: ChatGPT 

Digital Learning Designers Tips:

Having students identify and keep track of what information is generated by AI vs. their own personal work can help instructors track student understanding and critical thinking skills.
megan wieckowski headshot

Meghan Wieckowski, Digital Learning Designer