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Generative AI as an educational resource

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Conference

2024 South East Section Meeting

Location

Marietta, Georgia

Publication Date

March 10, 2024

Start Date

March 10, 2024

End Date

March 12, 2024

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--45532

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/45532

Download Count

18

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Paper Authors

biography

Stephen Strain University of Memphis

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Dr. Steve Strain is an assistant professor of teaching at the University of Memphis (UM). He received the Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in physics from Columbia College at Columbia University in 1987, the Doctor of Medicine degree from ETSU Quillen College of Medicine in 1999, and a Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering from UM in 2009. His late-stage doctoral work with Stan Franklin concerns the application of the LIDA Cognitive Model to human problem solving. He currently teaches full-time in the biomedical engineering department at UM.

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biography

Andrew Blass Watson The University of Memphis

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A. Blass Watson, a biomedical engineering doctoral candidate at the University of Memphis, received his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from Mississippi State University in 2016. He worked at the Social Therapeutic and Robotic Systems (STaRS) lab and the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS). His work involved redesigning systems to mimic biological counterparts, exploring new materials for rapid prototyping, and developing mechanical systems for robotics focused on human-computer interaction with both civilians and law enforcement. Since starting his studies at the University of Memphis in 2017, under Dr. Joel D. Bumgardner, he has delved into biomaterial development, nanoparticles, and additive manufacturing techniques like electrospinning, electrospraying, and 3D printing. His master's thesis, completed in December 2020, focused on "Electrosprayed Chitosan-calcium Phosphate Nanoshells Composite Coatings on Silanated Titanium Plates." Currently, he is pursuing his PhD, concentrating on 3D printing biological polymers for wound repair.

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Matthew Hale The University of Memphis

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Abstract

In an era defined by technological revolutions, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) stands out as a force with the potential to reshape society's fundamental structures of communication including journalism, scientific research, and education. The present work explores the impending global disruption posed by GenAI and its profound implications for engineering education. We examine GenAI's accessibility, capabilities, and rapid progression, along with the growing demand for GenAI skills in the engineering job market. Drawing on prior research, we advocate for three key actions: 1) a readiness to adapt or replace traditional pedagogical approaches; 2) the promotion of GenAI literacy among engineering educators and students; and 3) leveraging GenAI to enhance both student learning and educator effectiveness. Furthermore, we share our initial experiences incorporating GenAI as an educational resource within an undergraduate engineering curriculum. These experiments shed light on the transformative potential of GenAI in the classroom. In summary, our call to action underscores the urgency of preparing engineering educators and students for the imminent GenAI-driven paradigm shift and highlights the potential benefits of embracing this transformative technology. [NOTE: We have received assistance from generative AI to fine-tune the language in the above abstract. The ideas are our own. We are happy to provide the transcript of our "conversation" with ChatGPT upon request. We view using GenAI in this way to be an example supporting the central claim of our abstract.]

Strain, S., & Watson, A. B., & Hale, M. (2024, March), Generative AI as an educational resource Paper presented at 2024 South East Section Meeting, Marietta, Georgia. 10.18260/1-2--45532

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