Optimizing Student Success: The Impact of Generative AI in Teaching and Learning

Session Description

This study investigates the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping educational methodologies and the importance of course design in higher education to enhance student success. The integration of AI technologies into the teaching and learning experience in higher education presents opportunities for personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Focusing on mastery learning and course design, this study explores how AI tools can contribute to the creation of tailored learning materials, real-time feedback, and a deeper understanding of concepts. The research explores the development of effective and inclusive course curricula, catering to diverse learning styles and needs, thereby underscoring the importance of thoughtful course design in higher education. This study discusses the implications of AI-enhanced education on student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and an analysis of survey results from this study, the research highlights the synergies between AI tools and educational best practices, addressing potential challenges and ethical considerations. The study employs a mixed methods approach based on a survey of higher education faculty currently utilizing AI tools to develop and teach courses. Recommendations for optimal teaching and learning best practices are suggested to maximize the transformative capacity of generative AI in higher education. These insights provide valuable perspectives on how AI tools influence course design, teaching, and learning.

Presenter(s)

Dr. Sean Doyle
Purdue University Global
Clermont, FL, USA

Sean Doyle serves as a full-time faculty member in the School of Business and Information Technology. He is course lead for bachelor’s courses in strategy and policy, consumer behavior, and international marketing. Dr. Doyle is actively focussed on academic innovation and conducting AI research in teaching and learning. Doyle began his academic career in 2001, teaching at New York University in the Department of Nutrition and facilitating courses in the culinary science lab. His experience includes teaching higher education business courses and serving as a professional development consultant for on-ground, blended, and online learning environments. Doyle also consults with organizations specializing in operations management, service delivery, marketing strategy, and organizational design. As a chef early in his career, he managed culinary operations for Aramark, Hyatt, Disney, and Sheraton. Additionally, he is a residential and commercial Realtor® in the state of Florida. Our team is currently dedicated to exploring novel approaches to elevate teaching and learning methods, aiming to enhance student outcomes and success. By delving into innovative solutions and harnessing the power of generative AI tools, we are seeking to revolutionize the educational landscape. These efforts are geared towards not only enriching the learning experience but also fostering a conducive environment for students to thrive and achieve their academic goals.

Dr. Jean Kotsiovos
Purdue University Global
Chicago, IL, USA

Jean Kotsiovos began her career at Purdue Global (previously Kaplan University) in 2004 as an adjunct instructor teaching database and programming courses for the School of Information Technology. She has held various positions at the university over the past 29 years, including adjunct IT faculty, department chair, and assistant dean of curriculum. For the past 15 years, she served as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Innovation. Kotsiovos played a pivotal role in the development of the online degree programs and courses in the learning management system (LMS). Additionally, she implemented various instructional technology tools to enhance the student learning experience. She has extensive IT industry experience in software development, website design, and database management systems. Dr. Kotsiovos is actively involved in researching ways to improve teaching and learning through the implementation of innovative solutions. Additionally, we are leveraging generative AI tools to enhance the educational experience further. Our team is currently dedicated to exploring novel approaches to elevate teaching and learning methods, aiming to enhance student outcomes and success. By delving into innovative solutions and harnessing the power of generative AI tools, we are seeking to revolutionize the educational landscape. These efforts are geared towards not only enriching the learning experience but also fostering a conducive environment for students to thrive and achieve their academic goals.

Dr. Rhonda Chicone
Purdue University Global
Panama City Beach, FL, USA

Rhonda Chicone is a dedicated academic, researcher, and software engineer with dual passions for software product development and cybersecurity. At Purdue Global, Chicone teaches IT, cybersecurity and secure software development courses at the graduate level. She was part of a two-person team responsible for the design and creation of the master’s degree in cybersecurity management (MSCM) program. After its creation, Chicone played a key role in helping the program achieve the distinction of being recognized as an NSA Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense. Chicone is actively research the integration of AI in teaching and learning. Our team is currently dedicated to exploring novel approaches to elevate teaching and learning methods, aiming to enhance student outcomes and success. By delving into innovative solutions and harnessing the power of generative AI tools, we are seeking to revolutionize the educational landscape. These efforts are geared towards not only enriching the learning experience but also fostering a conducive environment for students to thrive and achieve their academic goals.