BIO-AIs (Biology Instruction Open to AI subcommittee) is a group of UW Department of Biology educators and staff committed to exploring how artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning. The group provides space for thoughtful discussion, practical experimentation, and informed choice about when, how, and whether to use AI in biology courses through educational resources and seminar series.
AI in Biology Education - A New Frontier
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widely accessible to the general public with programs such as ChatGPT, DALLE, Google Bard making headlines. The current state of AI is more of an "Augmented Intelligence," a technological tool which can readily automate tasks for knowledge workers in the same way machines automated tasks for farm workers. These machines were not intelligent, nor did they eliminate farmers, instead they augmented human capabilities and ushered in societal gains on a global scale. With this perspective, this website provides a basic introduction to AI literacy and real world examples of using AI in Biology courses including: AI assisting students with organizing course content, generating endless practice questions from course materials, exam questions, etc. As AI continues to advance, so will the students and medical professionals of tomorrow, and educators must not lag behind.
Example assignments and questions are written with consideration for AI's response capabilities and limitations. Assignments require a human mind to critically interpret and evaluate images, various question styles/formats, detailed short answer responses, essay style questions, etc. are explored with this new tech.
What is AI?
Watch Demystifying ChatGPT for Academics on YouTube to explore how AI tools like ChatGPT are being integrated into higher education, including practical uses and ethical considerations. Work alongside the video to answer quiz questions highlighting how AI is shaping academic spaces.
AI Activities Hub
Explore a range of assignment types and formats designed to stretch students’ thinking and creativity with biology content. Adapt these ideas to fit your course, whether you teach face-to-face or online.
Conversation Toolkit Series
The Conversation Toolkit Series is a set of discussion-ready resources designed to help educators and students talk openly about AI in coursework. Articles are meant to spark thoughtful, honest dialogue about teaching and learning in the age of AI.
AI News You Can Use
Browse this organized set of articles on AI and education, grouped into AI Literacy, AI Development, Applied Technology, AI In the Classroom, and Ethical Considerations. Use them to fuel class discussions, build assignments, or stay current on how AI is shaping teaching and learning.
How Do I...?
A centralized resource for biology educators seeking practical guidance on artificial intelligence in teaching, offering syllabus language, citation guidance, accessibility resources, UW-specific policies, etc.