1. "Humans in the Loop"
The central philosophy is that technology should not replace the learner. Instead, the goal is to develop critical agency, where students don't just use AI but learn how to "regulate" it—checking for bias, validating facts, and pushing back on its outputs.
2. Disciplinary & Course Alignment
Before setting a policy, Dr. Alta encourages faculty to "kick the tires" (test the AI) to see:
- Where does it break? Does it explain your specific subject accurately?
- Scaffolding vs. Replacing: Does the AI replace the thinking required for a learning objective, or does it support it (e.g., helping with slide design so a student can focus more on research)?
3. The AI Prompt Library (Learning Innovation)
Instead of using AI to generate final products, the seminar showcases how to use it for active learning:
- The Writing Tutor: A prompt that forces AI to give feedback one step at a time without ever rewriting the student's work.
- The Teachback Challenge: Turning the AI into a "confused student" so that the human learner must explain complex concepts to it to prove their mastery.
4. Deterring Academic Dishonesty
Rather than relying on AI detectors (which can be unreliable), the session suggests "low-cost, high-trust" pedagogical moves:
- Learner Information Surveys: Identifying "at-risk" students (those feeling terrified or overwhelmed) early in the semester.
- Integrity Nudging: Discussing why integrity matters for their future careers shortly before big deadlines.
- Grace Periods: Offering 48-hour windows or "withdrawal options" to reduce the panic that often leads to cheating.