As part of CMU’s broader strategy regarding Generative AI and education, the Office of the Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Innovation is developing a series of instructional modules on generative AI.

The first set of modules is designed as a primer for CMU students – to support them in their role as learners. It targets several fundamental learning objectives related to learners’ effective and responsible use of generative AI tools.

By the end of these modules, learners should be able to…

1. Describe the basic mechanisms behind how generative AI tools are built and how they work.
2. Analyze the ethical implications and other concerns related to these tools – in order to be a responsible user and/or creator.
3. Explain why students’ decisions about and applications of generative AI tools will differ across individuals, contexts, tasks, and goals. 
4. Identify and apply strategies to appropriately and responsibly use generative AI for a given educational task. 

In addition to developing students’ knowledge and skills in the above areas, these modules are designed to promote students’ self-efficacy for appropriately using generative AI tools.

Studying the modules’ impact in action!

An exciting project associated with these modules has involved a collaboration with the Eberly Center, more than 30 instructors, and more than 2,000 students in which we investigated the modules’ impacts on learning and self-efficacy via a randomized, controlled trial. This large-scale study was the first GAITAR@Scale project, conducted in September, 2024. The data are currently being analyzed (so check back here for future updates!). Results will be used not only to gauge the effectiveness of the v1 modules but also to guide iterative improvements that will be incorporated into v2! 

Key Contributors

• Hoda Heidari, Assistant Professor, MLD, S3D, HCII
  Subject-Matter Expert and module co-author
  
• Nicky Agate, Principal Librarian, University Libraries
  Subject-Matter Expert and module co-author
  
• Elaine Gombos, Computer Science
  Student contributor and module co-creator
• Chuong Truong, Philosophy
  Student contributor and module co-creator
• Harrison Leon, Machine Learning Department
  Student contributor and module co-creator
  
• Zach Mineroff, Senior Learning Engineer, Eberly Center
  Lead Learning Engineer coordinating and guiding the modules’ design
• Avi Chawla, Senior Learning Engineer, Eberly Center
  Learning Engineer assisting in the modules’ design and implementation
• Judy Brooks, Director of Design, Technology-Enhanced Learning & Online Programs, Eberly Center
  

Primer Outline

Module 1: Basics of how Generative AI Tools Work

Module 2: Ethical Implications and Other Concerns

Module 3: Opportunities and Risks for Different Students

Module 4: Appropriate and Responsible Use