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Introducing the Making Artificial Intelligence Generative for Higher Education (MAIGHE) Research Project
ECU is one of 19 institutions in North America selected to participate in a two-year research project led by Ithaka S+R. The research project assesses the immediate and emerging AI applications most likely to impact teaching, learning, and research and explore the long-term needs of institutions, instructors, and scholars as they navigate this environment.
About the Research Project
In Phase One, the research team conducted focus groups with faculty in the Department of English, College of Nursing, and Coastal Studies Department. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with additional faculty across a variety of disciplines. We talked with faculty who were early innovators and champions, individuals who were just beginning to explore generative AI tools, along with faculty who were cautious or skeptical about these AI applications. Anonymized transcripts have been shared with Ithaka S+R, which will use transcripts from all the participating institutions to create the largest qualitative dataset to date on AI issues and opportunities related to teaching, learning, and research in education. It will release a public report to share the findings.
Many research study participants identified the need for additional learning opportunities. Favored methods ranged from learning from colleagues, attending faculty panels, utilizing case studies, discipline-specific guides, online modules, webinars, and hands-on sessions. As we work with ECU colleagues to design and offer learning opportunities, we will follow the two guiding principles of Universal Design for Learning. We plan to (1) include multiple forms of representation in instructional materials; and (2) provide opportunities for learners to express themselves in multiple forms.
We recognize that AI apps, tools, and technologies are emerging. Hence, there will be a continual need for up-to-date professional development, as well as the need for continuous exploration of AI apps and tools. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the Making Artificial Intelligence Generative for Higher Education research team will offer several workshops through the Office for Faculty Excellence. Look for sessions on AI literacy, ECU faculty’s current use of generative AI; use cases for generative AI in teaching and research, and much more.
We look forward to learning more about your use of generative AI applications, uses you think will be beneficial for students, how generative AI is changing assignments and assessment, and how you think it has and will influence your research workflow. We also want to know what specific support services or resources would be of the most value to you. Please feel free to contact any member of the research team.
Resources
Research Team Members
- Wendy Creasey, Director of Digital Learning and Emerging Technology Initiatives
- Jan Lewis, Director of Academic Library Services
- Ken Luterbach, Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Science & Instructional Technology Education
- John Southworth, Technology Support Specialist – Supervisor in ITCS