Mollick, E. R., & Mollick, L. (2024). Instructors as Innovators: A Future-focused Approach to New AI Learning Opportunities, With Prompts. SSRN Electronic Journal.
We present a range of AI-based exercises that enable novel forms of practice and application including simulations, mentoring, coaching, and co-creation. For each type of exercise, we provide prompts that instructors can customize, along with guidance on classroom implementation, assessment, and risks to consider. We also provide blueprints, prompts that help instructors create their own original prompts… While the exercises in this paper are a starting point, not a definitive solution, they demonstrate AI’s potential to expand what is possible in teaching and learning.
Why it matters
The paper provides concrete examples of prompts and exercises that cover different pedagogical approaches – simulation, critique, co-creation, mentoring and tutoring. These can serve as a starting point for educators to experiment with AI in their classrooms as part of a pedagogically-informed approach.
My key takeaway
AI-based exercises enable novel, personalised forms of practice and application for students, including simulations, mentoring, coaching, critique, and co-creation. This allows educators to create transformative learning experiences tailored to their classroom needs.
Practical implications
Realising the full potential of AI in education will require extensive testing, customisation and rigorous research by educators. The exercises presented in this paper are preliminary proofs-of-concept that need to be validated and refined based on student outcomes and experiences.
AI literacy needs to be incorporated when using these tools, to help students become better, more critical users of generative AI-based systems. Educators need to carefully consider the benefits and risks of AI exercises and have oversight over the AI interactions to spot errors, biases and misconceptions.
The authors also acknowledge that ethical considerations need to be taken into account when using AI in the classroom. They recommend strategies such as encouraging critical thinking about AI outputs and fostering discussions about AI limitations to mitigate these risks.