Florida State University (FSU) recently hosted an enlightening workshop that brought together graduate students from diverse disciplines to delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching and research. This 90-minute "Lunch and Learn" event was a collaborative effort between FSU’s Innovation Hub, Graduate School, and the Office of the Provost, highlighting the university's commitment to academic innovation.
Paul Marty, the associate vice provost for academic innovation, emphasized the importance of AI in academia, particularly for graduate students aspiring to academic careers. "Artificial intelligence in both teaching and research are two areas that are extremely important for our graduate students," Marty noted. The workshop underscored how AI serves as a unifying topic, bringing together students from various programs to share ideas and learn collaboratively.
The event featured insightful lectures from esteemed faculty members, including Michael Neal from the Department of English, Joshua Morgan from the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, Kyung Kim, a social sciences librarian, and Liz Dunne, an instruction and reference librarian. These experts shared their experiences and strategies for integrating AI into their professional and academic practices.
A key focus of the workshop was the ethical and effective use of AI tools. The speakers highlighted FSU's proactive approach to embracing innovation through AI, discussing both the potential and limitations of these technologies. Marty reiterated the university's dedication to helping students understand and leverage AI tools effectively.
Graduate students were encouraged to utilize resources like the Innovation Hub and the Graduate Student Resource Center to enhance their academic and professional development. Emily Lu, a doctoral student in the Department of History, shared her reflections on the workshop, noting its impact on her approach to teaching. "I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about AI use in both classrooms and research," Lu said, considering the integration of AI as an educational tool.
The workshop resonated with many participants, including Amber Noor Mustafa, a student in international and multicultural education, who praised FSU's guidance on using generative AI. "AI is here to stay," Mustafa stated, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about AI advancements to enrich educational experiences.
In summary, FSU's AI workshop exemplifies the university's forward-thinking approach to education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in academia. For more information, visit ai.fsu.edu.