Workshop: Role of Generative AI in Classrooms

Workshop co-chairs: 

Mahesh K. Banavar, Clarkson University

Alexander Cohen, Clarkson University

Melody Denny, St. Lawrence University

Catherine Sajna, Clarkson University

A workshop was held on August 18 at Clarkson University to discuss the role of generative AI in classrooms. The workshop had a short introduction to ChatGPT, three panels, and a hands-on session. Attendees included 23 faculty members from Clarkson University, 17 from St. Lawrence University, 18 from SUNY Canton, 13 from SUNY Potsdam, and two independent scholars (73 total attendees).   

Lunch for the attendees was provided by Clarkson University. 

The workshop was sponsored by the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley. 

ChatGPT in 5 minutes

A brief description of ChatGPT, how it works, some applications, and some limitations. 

Panel 1: Should I Just Quit my Job? 

Hopes and Fears for AI Use in Education   

• Alex Cohen, Clarkson University, Political Science

• Brian Ladd, SUNY Potsdam, Computer Science

• Ronnie Olesker, St. Lawrence University, Government

• Tony Betrus, SUNY Potsdam, Business Administration

• Melissa Manchester, SUNY Canton, Assistant Director of Tutoring Services

Panel 2: Can I Use it, if My Students Can’t?

Academic Integrity and Institutional Policies   

• Jessica Heffner, SUNY Potsdam, Instructor English and Com

• Evelyn Jennings, SLU, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs

• Shafique Chaudhry, CU, Chair of the Senate Committee on Generative AI

• Alastair Kocho-Williams, CU, Chair of the Integrity Committee

• Melissa Manchester, SUNY Canton, Assistant Director of Tutoring Services

Panel 3: Will Companies Hire Graduates or AI? 

The view from corporate partners   

• Justin Whitehead, Pebble Financial

• Chinmay Sahu, Thales

• Vaibhav Ghildiyal, Sinch

Hands-on Activities

A guided session, led by Prof. Alexander Cohen, was held to explore how ChatGPT can be used and how it responds to various prompts. The interactive session included several exercises and opportunities for the attendees to explore the uses of ChatGPT. 

Workshop Agenda

Welcome - Alex Cohen

Opening Remarks - Marc Christensen

ChatGPT in 5 minutes - Mahesh Banavar

Panel 1: Should I Just Quit my Job?

Panel 2: Can I Use it, if my Students Can’t?

Panel 3: Will Companies Hire Graduates or AI?

Hands-on Session: What’s the Breaking Point for AI? Prompt Engineering and Bias

Wrap-up - Alex Cohen