On February 11, Dr. Wenhong Chen, professor of Media Studies and Sociology at the Moody College of Communications, led a thought-provoking Provost's Teaching Fellows Think Tank session on AI in the Year of the Little Dragon. With AI rapidly reshaping education, this discussion provided a timely space for faculty to explore its opportunities and challenges in teaching.
The session kicked off with an interactive AI Bingo game, prompting instructors to reflect on their AI use in the classroom. Participants crossed off squares for actions such as: asking AI to generate discussion prompts, allowing students to experiment with AI ethically, and even questioning whether they should start using AI at all. The game sparked lively discussions on the varying levels of AI adoption, from those who had never used it to those integrating it into assignments and assessments. Faculty shared surprises, concerns, and insights—especially around ethical dilemmas, accuracy issues, and how different disciplines have unique needs for AI tools.
Discussions highlighted AI’s role in enhancing—not replacing—teaching. While AI tools are useful for tasks like grammar checks, rubric generation, and predictive analytics, the need for critical oversight and institutional support remains a key concern.
When Dr. Chen asked participants to describe their views on AI in a single word, responses reflected mixed emotions—overwhelming, skeptical, mysterious, hesitant possibilities—yet they also acknowledged its potential. As Barry Berridge, instructional designer at the CTL noted, “AI has the capability to augment our abilities.”
The session concluded with a group consensus calling for collective advocacy to ensure UT provides faculty with the necessary AI resources and guidance. As AI continues to shape higher education, ongoing discussions and institutional support will be essential in navigating its integration effectively and ethically.