UNLV has launched a groundbreaking initiative to enhance faculty capabilities in research and teaching through generative artificial intelligence, preparing educators and staff for the future.
Table of Contents
Short Summary:
- The Generative AI Fellows Pilot Program aims to empower faculty through training in AI applications.
- Workshops on various generative AI tools examined their implementation and implications in education.
- The initiative seeks to foster innovation and optimize university operations through effective AI integration.
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we work and learn, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is taking significant steps to harness this transformative technology. The newly introduced Generative AI Fellows Pilot Program epitomizes the institution’s commitment to equipping its faculty with crucial skills in AI application, aiming to optimize both academic and administrative effectiveness. As the world leans increasingly into AI, UNLV plans to be a leading institution in integrating these innovations into academia.
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:
“The launch of the AI Fellows Program is an important step toward integrating AI technology on our campus. AI offers the potential to increase productivity and innovation in both academic pursuits and research, and we must carefully weigh all possible outcomes.”
This initiative underscores the urgency for higher education institutions to adapt and thrive amidst technological change.
Unpacking the Generative AI Fellows Pilot Program
The Generative AI Fellows Pilot Program intends to establish a cohort of academic and administrative faculty who will learn about generative AI applications. Participants will later act as resources for their colleagues, disseminating knowledge and encouraging exploration of AI’s capabilities. Three specific cohorts will focus on classroom integration, research enhancement, and administrative optimization.
The classroom cohort will be facilitated by the Learning and Teaching Commons, guiding educators in applying AI tools to foster engagement and improve instructional methods. Beth Barrie, vice provost for Teaching & Learning Innovation, expressed her enthusiasm:
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the faculty fellows want to do to support their peers in learning about integrating generative AI into the classroom.”
The focus here is on creating learning opportunities for educators throughout the academic year.
Meanwhile, the research cohort seeks to empower researchers at UNLV, adhering to Carnegie R1 classification, which highlights the importance of research in the university’s mission. This initiative promises to revolutionize methodologies, enhance data analysis, and ignite innovation across diverse research fields. David Hatchett, vice president for research, emphasizes the ethical implications, remarking:
“My hope is that it’s utilized in a way we can all agree is ethical and that the use reduces the burden of trying to do things differently, which could drive research forward more efficiently.”
The difficult balancing act will be to harness AI’s potential while maintaining academic integrity.
The administrative cohort addresses the need for efficiency in university operations. With universities facing mounting pressures to streamline processes, integrating AI for mundane tasks can liberate staff to focus on more impactful work. Kivanc Oner, chief information officer and leader of the pilot program for the Office of Information Technology, emphasized the necessity of empowering staff:
“We want to take away some of that fear of the unknown.”
By instilling a sense of confidence among administrative faculty, the initiative seeks to ease concerns about job displacement, encouraging faculty to embrace AI as a powerful ally.
Workshops Ignite Conversations
Complementing the launch of the Generative AI Fellows Program, a series of workshops were held on April 28, 2023, aimed at familiarizing instructors and staff with generative AI tools, including prominent applications like ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion. The sessions served as a platform for deep dives into the potential applications and ethical considerations surrounding AI in higher education. Technologists confidently shared insights on how AI is enhancing their work efficiency, sparking discussions amongst participants about its broader impact on learning and teaching.
During the workshop, Steve Ochsner, endpoint services manager for OIT, demonstrated ChatGPT’s utility in everyday tasks. He shared:
“I’m not familiar with spreadsheet formulas and normally use Google to help me. Now, I use ChatGPT to give me formulas that I can use to process raw data into something I can use, cutting down the time I spend on creating spreadsheets so I can focus on other parts of my job.”
The sentiment resonated with many faculty who recognized AI’s ability to streamline processes across various functions.
The introduction of TurnItIn’s AI detection tool piqued interest, but also revealed flaws. Attendees learned that while the tool could identify AI-generated content, it is not foolproof. Yvette Aqui, OIT’s senior IT application administrator, cautioned:
“TurnItIn’s AI detector isn’t perfect, and instructors should still review submissions.”
This limitation highlighted the importance of direct communication and feedback between educators and their students about the use of AI in academic work.
Creative Visions with Stable Diffusion
In a notable demonstration, Rakitha Perera, an OIT media applications developer and gardening enthusiast, showcased how Stable Diffusion could generate realistic images for creative projects. His project, a vision for a backyard oasis, was simulated through AI prompts, capturing the potential for students and companies to use these tools for artistic inspiration. Perera stated,
“By utilizing these generated renderings as starting points for their final projects, they can circumvent costly renderings during the initial planning stages.”
The lesson here is clear: while AI can enhance creativity, understanding its limitations is vital for effective utilization.
The Future is Now: Embracing AI
As AI technologies expand their reach, UNLV is preparing its community for the inevitable integration into daily academic routines. The drive to embrace AI is not merely a passing trend but rather a fundamental shift in how universities will function in the coming years. The excitement and engagement displayed during the workshops signal a readiness to explore AI’s transformative role in education.
UNLV is committed to weaving AI into the fabric of its operations, enhancing research capabilities, improving administrative efficiency, and enriching educational experiences. The transformative journey ahead is one that will define how future generations engage with knowledge and creativity while offering a unique opportunity for faculty and staff to shape the future landscape of academia.
Conclusion: Harnessing AI for Collective Advancement
The Generative AI Fellows Pilot Program is just one step in a broader strategy to adapt and thrive in an age dominated by artificial intelligence. Faculty and staff interested in participating have until September 27 to apply and become a part of this transformative movement. As institutions reckon with the rapid evolution of technology, UNLV stands poised to champion innovative teaching, research, and administration practices.
This transition into an AI-augmented future is not only about efficiency; it’s about enhancing the human experience in learning and research. By embracing this technology responsibly, UNLV aims to ensure that faculty, staff, and students can thrive in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
