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Rubrics as a Tool to Support Equity and Inclusion
While student populations have become increasingly diverse, many groups, including first-generation, non-native English speakers, and individuals with disabilities, still face barriers and bias that can derail their success in college (Super et al., 2020). Traditional grading practices—including penalties for late work, writing in dialects other than standard English, and even plagiarism— are prone to bias and only perpetuate disparities (Feldman, 2019; Savini, 2021).
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity
Chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are increasingly being integrated into higher education as a tool to improve student engagement and support. While ChatGPT has shown promise in its ability to assist students with a wide range of tasks and provide instant feedback, there are also potential risks associated with its use. This article aims to explore the benefits and risks of using ChatGPT in higher education and offer insights into how this technology can be leveraged effectively to support student learning and development.
Five Instructor Feedback Essentials
Providing student feedback is a key component of an instructor’s role and an important part of effective instruction. Research shows that ongoing feedback keeps students engaged and improves their morale, motivation, and learning (Best et al., 2015). Yet, providing high-quality feedback can be a time-consuming commitment, especially in courses with large class sizes or numerous written assessments. Instructors should keep in mind the tools, structure, and best practices that can help them provide feedback.
Rubric Best Practices Guide
When used effectively, rubrics facilitate clear and consistent assessment, enhancing the learning experience for both students and instructors. In the online classroom environment, where students do not have the frequent, physical access that a traditional classroom provides, rubrics can provide the added benefit of increasing student engagement with course material and clarifying an instructor's expectations (Keengwe, Adjei-Boateng, & Diteeyont, as cited in Haught et al., 2017). In fact, according to Martin & Bolliger (2018), online learners have reported that grading rubrics are highly important for learner-to-instructor engagement. For instructors, too, rubrics simplify the grading process, promoting consistency across students and terms. Eliminating the guesswork from grade determination, well-designed rubrics can save professors precious time and energy.
Quizzes for the Multimodal Course
From trivia games to final exams, quizzing tools have a variety of uses for learning as well as assessment. Exams and quizzes have a particularly plentiful range of possibilities in a multimodal or hybrid course, where they can be administered synchronously or asynchronously. Research suggests that the presentation of a tool influences student behavior in response to the tool. When comparing two student discussion boards, one an ungraded discussion and one a graded replacement for a final exam, Cheng et al. (2013) found that students displayed more knowledge on the graded board but more evidence of learning on the ungraded board. The students who participated in the study were more likely to grapple with new ideas when the stakes were low but more eager to showcase topics they were confident about when their responses would have a greater impact on their grades. When considering quizzing tools, we recommend allowing your course goals to guide your usage.
Beyond Traditional Grades: Alternative Assessment Methods
As educators navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI (genAI), many are reconsidering traditional assessment approaches. Alternative assessment methods offer innovative ways to evaluate student learning that go beyond conventional grading systems, focusing on authentic learning, skill development, and meaningful engagement. These approaches not only address the challenges posed by AI but also align with research on effective learning and motivation (Furze, 2023; Pitts Donahoe, 2023).
10 Key Considerations for Online Course Development
Designing and delivering effective online courses requires careful consideration of numerous factors. As a result, it can be difficult to determine where to begin in the process, particularly for course developers and instructors who are new to online learning. This piece presents a curated list of resources aligned with 10 key considerations applicable across academic disciplines and degree programs.
The Need to Rethink Assessments in the Age of Generative AI
The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) technologies has sent shockwaves through the education sector, sparking intense debates about academic integrity, assessment practices, and student learning (Roe et al., 2023; Rudolph et al., 2023; Susnjak & McIntosh, 2024; Swiecki et al., 2022; Yeo, 2023). Since the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022, educators have grappled with concerns about cheating and the potential erosion of traditional academic values (Gorichanaz, 2023; Sullivan et al., 2023). However, as our understanding of genAI capabilities evolves, so too must our approach to assessment and teaching (Lodge et al., 2023).
Fostering Deep Learning and Motivation in the AI Era
As generative artificial intelligence (genAI) reshapes the educational landscape, faculty must rethink traditional assessment strategies to maintain academic integrity and real-world relevance. This piece explores strategies for creating effective assessments in an AI-mediated world, focusing on two key areas: collaborative activities that develop essential human skills, and formative assessments that emphasize personal growth and deep learning. These approaches not only address concerns about AI misuse but also prepare students for future workplaces where human capabilities will complement AI tools.
Developing AI Literacy Across the Curriculum: A Guide for Programs and Faculty
The rapid integration of AI into professional practice across disciplines makes AI literacy increasingly crucial, not just for technology-focused fields but for all areas of study. Even faculty who are skeptical of AI's value need to consider how it's transforming their disciplines. For example, scientific fields are seeing AI adoption in literature reviews, experimental design, and data analysis. In the humanities, AI tools are already being used for textual analysis, translation, and content creation. Creative disciplines must grapple with AI's impact on artistic production and copyright. Professional programs face increasing pressure from employers who expect graduates to understand AI applications in their field.