What tools empower educators to teach more effectively with AI at Carleton University?
28.02.2025 • 3 minutes
Incorporating AI into education isn't just about enhancing student learning; it also involves equipping educators with the skills and tools needed to adapt to evolving teaching methods. Faculty training programs focused on AI tools can transform administrative tasks, lesson planning, and instructional delivery—allowing educators to dedicate more time to personalized student engagement and innovative teaching strategies.
At Carleton University, educators are independently exploring AI tools to enhance their teaching, while the institution prioritizes privacy and security for AI adoption. Lindsay Richardson, Educational Technology Supervisor and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, has been at the forefront of these efforts, experimenting with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Magic School.
Practical integration in teaching
Some faculty members at Carleton University are designing creative assessments that push students to critically engage with AI-generated outputs. By comparing and refining results from multiple AI tools, students are encouraged to evaluate the strengths and limitations of each tool, fostering higher-order thinking skills.
This approach not only helps students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also highlights the importance of human insight and judgment in the learning process
Tools like ChatGPT can be used to brainstorm assignments or explore how students might approach learning tasks. It’s about understanding AI’s role in the classroom and finding ways to make it a learning companion rather than a shortcut.
Lindsay RICHARDSON, Educational Technology Supervisor and Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Overcoming challenges with faculty support
The university recognizes the varied responses from educators:
- Some are enthusiastic, incorporating AI to streamline tasks like grading and content creation.
- Others are more apprehensive, aiming to “AI-proof” their courses by focusing on in-person assessments and activities AI cannot replicate.
AI tools have revealed inefficiencies in traditional teaching methods. Educators need to rethink the skills we want students to graduate with in a world where AI is ubiquitous.
Lindsay RICHARDSON, Educational Technology Supervisor and Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Finding the balance
To ensure responsible and effective adoption, Carleton is prioritizing privacy assessments for institutional tools like Microsoft Copilot.
Richardson envisions a future where AI doesn’t replace educators but empowers them to focus on personalized, impactful teaching:
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The Wooclap team
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