19. Summer Shorts: AI, Ungrading, and Starting the Semester Strong

In this special summer shorts episode, we revisit conversations from the past year to help you gear up for the upcoming semester. Join us as we explore practical strategies and innovative approaches shared by our expert guests. 

From episode 13, JoAnn Edmond and Jenn Rose kick things off by emphasizing the importance of a learner-centered syllabus. "Creating tools like a syllabus, which can serve as a blueprint for your course, is crucial," they explain. By utilizing templates and resources from the Center for Instructional Innovation, faculty can design syllabi that not only guide course structure but also foster a community-focused learning environment. This approach, they argue, can directly support institutional goals like improving student retention. 

We explore the concept of Ungrading from episode 17 with Drs. Candis Bond and Trent Kays. They describe Ungrading as an "assessment and evaluation approach that favors process over traditional grading," focusing on formative assessment and continuous feedback. By shifting away from the conventional A-F scale, this method aims to enhance intrinsic motivation and promote a deeper engagement with the learning process. "It's a mindset, a philosophy," they assert, encouraging educators to create environments where students can focus on learning rather than merely aiming for a grade. 

Finally, from episode 15, Dr. David Joyner discusses the transformative potential of AI in education. He highlights the need to adapt assessments to maintain their effectiveness in the face of new AI tools like ChatGPT. He advises, "We must make certain changes to keep our assessments reliable and effective demonstrations of student understanding." Dr. Joyner also sees AI as a means to elevate educational outcomes, enabling students to tackle more ambitious projects and achieve deeper understanding. His insights are complemented by his publication "A Teacher’s Guide to Conversational AI" and a professional certificate program available on edX. 

Explore these ideas and more, visit augusta.edu/innovation for full episodes and additional resources.