On April 17, the Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence, in collaboration with the University’s leading educational technologists, hosted the workshop “Empowering Educators with AI: Prompt Engineering for Course Design & Syllabus Development” at Hesburgh Library.
This session explored integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into educational planning and syllabus creation, utilizing tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. The workshop offered a rich exploration of how AI can streamline course design and connect pedagogical strategies with practical AI applications.
For those unable to attend, here are the key insights from the session:
1. AI as a Tool for Educational Efficiency
Participants learned how AI can assist in the rapid development of course outlines and syllabi, making educational preparation less time-consuming and more effective. By automating routine tasks, educators can dedicate their time to crafting richer educational experiences.
2. Crafting Detailed Prompts to Enhance Learning Outcomes
The workshop emphasized the importance of prompt engineering—designing detailed AI prompts that align with educational goals. Participants used sound pedagogical models to refine their prompts, ultimately improving the quality of their revised course learning goals. Effective prompts can lead to clearer, more targeted content that supports learning objectives, helping students achieve higher cognitive levels through tailored AI interactions.
3. Generating Transparent Alternative Assessments
A significant highlight was the role generative AI can play in helping faculty transition from traditional assessments to alternative assignments and creative projects. Grounded once again in assessment models, participants were able to quickly draft new, authentic, and performance-based assessments that require students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through real-world applications.
Resources:
- Panel Presentation Google Slide Deck (NetID login required)
Related:
- See the Launch Post on the “Teaching in the Age of AI” series for information about all the past year’s events.
- View our Resource Library for more on AI for Teaching and Learning.