We’ve launched a semi-regular feature to keep you informed about how artificial intelligence (AI)—especially generative AI (GenAI)—is shaping teaching and learning at Carleton and beyond. As we continue to explore our four-pronged approach to building an AI strategy for your course, this month’s focus is on prong No. 2: The AI talk.
The AI Talk – Setting the Stage for AI Use in Your Course
As you prepare your class schedule and your course in Brightspace, now is the time to consider how you’ll introduce your stance on AI tools to students. “The AI Talk” is about more than just rules—it’s a chance to open a conversation.
- What role will AI play in your course?
- Where is it encouraged or restricted?
- How can students engage with these tools ethically and responsibly?
We recommend carving out time early in the term to talk with students about GenAI in class. The up-front clarity can save time later and opens the door for meaningful dialogue. We’ve also noticed that saving some time mid-semester to discuss it again has been impactful.
In Brightspace, you might include a short message in your course welcome announcement or create a Brightspace discussion thread to collect questions and ideas.
We explore each of four prongs to the AI strategy in our Hands-On AI (HOAI) workshop series. Instructors who complete six hours or more of HOAI programming and submit their AI strategy for feedback receive a letter of completion recognizing their commitment to thoughtful, responsible and ethical AI integration in education. We’ve hosted intensive sessions over the summer to help instructors build their strategies, and there’s one more coming up: a day-long retreat in August.
Stay tuned for next month’s focus, where we’ll spotlight the next prong of the AI strategy—1+ GenAI activity, which is often paired with the AI talk—to help you build or refine your own.
Tool Spotlight: Microsoft Copilot
Did you know Carleton instructors, staff and students have access to Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection—a safer version of the Microsoft AI chatbot? This enterprise-level version allows you to explore Microsoft Copilot (including M365 Copilot, if licensed) without using your data to train Microsoft’s models.
Want to take it further? Join us in August for a new Hands-On AI session on Creating Custom Copilots for Your Course. You’ll get a sneak peak into how to design a chatbot tailored to your class needs using Microsoft M365 Copilot’s Custom Agents feature.
Have something to share or a question about AI?
We want to hear from you! Reach out to our team with your ideas, challenges or success stories.