A look into the GenAI modules for faculty: potential uses in teaching and learning

You may have seen that Concordia has a new set of nine micromodules (10 min each) specifically designed for faculty members about generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). GenAI Quickstart: Foundations for Faculty was collaboratively developed by librarians at Concordia and McGill with the learning design expertise of eConcordia. Subject matter experts also contributed specific modules, including Mike Barcomb from the Centre for Teaching and Learning, who authored the modules Potential Uses in Teaching and Potential Uses in Learning. GenAI Quickstart focuses on the needs of a specific group of learners – those faculty who have not yet had an opportunity to learn very much about GenAI.  The modules include faculty-specific scenarios to situate how GenAI may impact their teaching, research and day-to-day tasks. The goal is to ensure all faculty have a foundational level of understanding of the technology in order to engage with critical questions about its use in higher education, and of course, to start building knowledge that allows faculty to further explore and experiment as desired.

Opportunities to innovate in teaching & learning

Education is one of the areas where GenAI is already having a noticeable impact, and Mike Barcomb had this in mind while developing the modules on uses in teaching and learning. If you’re an instructor who hasn’t yet considered how this technology might have a place in your teaching, or have just begun experimenting, these resources are suited for you, aiming to equip you with foundational knowledge and practical strategies to responsibly begin considering the use of GenAI for academic practices. They also raise considerations for learners in incorporating these tools.

Potential Uses in Teaching introduces educators to strategies for enhancing teaching through GenAI. The module explores how tools like ChatGPT can assist in content creation, syllabus refinement, and innovative assessment methods. For example, educators can use GenAI to draft lecture notes, customize instructional materials, or design adaptable, course-specific scenarios that actively engage learners in critical thinking and problem solving, making connections to current issues relevant to their field of study. The module also emphasizes ethical considerations, such as ensuring academic integrity, mitigating bias in GenAI outputs, and fostering inclusive teaching practices.  

Potential Uses in Learning focuses on empowering students to harness GenAI tools to enrich their educational experience and achieve greater success in their academic journey. The module provides practice strategies for using GenAI to understand complex course material, improve research and writing skills, and critically evaluate AI-generated content. For instance, students might use GenAI to break down challenging concepts into accessible explanations or generate personalized feedback on writing assignments. A key aspect of the module is its emphasis on ethical and critical engagement with GenAI outputs, encouraging students to see these tools as a means for deeper learning rather than shortcuts for completing tasks. 

Incorporating a mix of scenarios, examples, and interactive presentations, both modules serve as entry points for exploring the potential of GenAI in higher education. By grounding GenAI integration in ethical and practical strategies, the modules offer a concise starting point to help you navigate the evolving academic landscape with confidence while fostering critical thinking and adaptability.

Explore the full series of modules at GenAI Quickstart: Foundations for Faculty .