### Title: Navigating Academic Integrity: The Impact of AI on Student Learning
### Synopsis
Today’s class centered around viewing and providing feedback on student essays about the role of AI in academic settings. The focus was particularly on weighing the benefits against the detrimental effects AI may have on students’ learning abilities and academic integrity. The session involved critical discussions on whether AI should be accepted as a valuable educational tool or if it undermines the traditional learning processes.
### Attendance
– All students present.
### Topics Covered
1. **Introduction and Apology for Deadline Adjustment**
– The instructor apologized for the unexpected advancement of the final submission deadline for essays due to administrative changes.
2. **Discussion of Upcoming Office Hours and Support**
– Announced additional office hours to assist with essay revisions.
– Encouraged students to submit drafts early for feedback.
3. **Essay Review Procedure and Expectations**
– Reviewed the structure expected in essays, emphasizing the importance of including strong counterarguments and supporting evidence.
– Detailed feedback was provided on the use of sources, structuring arguments, and improving clarity and persuasiveness.
4. **Analysis of Student Essays on AI’s Impact on Learning**
– Each essay was analyzed for argumentative structure, the validity of points made, clarity, and engagement.
– Common feedback included the need for more specific examples, clearer topic sentences, and avoiding overgeneralization.
– Discussions highlighted the concern of over-reliance on AI potentially hindering critical thinking skills and academic growth.
5. **Interactive Feedback and Revision Techniques**
– Demonstrated how to enhance essays by refining thesis statements, integrating counterarguments effectively, and improving the logical flow of arguments.
– Encouraged peer feedback and collaborative refining of arguments to broaden perspectives and enhance critical engagement with the topic.
### Actionable Items
– **Final Essay Submissions:**
– Reminded students of the new deadline: essays are due by the afternoon of the 14th.
– Essays to be graded with a quick turnaround, ensuring students receive their grades within 24 hours of submission.
– **Additional Support:**
– Offer to extend office hours was reiterated, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunity for one-on-one feedback.
– **Instructional Adjustments:**
– Proposed a follow-up session or online module on effective academic writing and research strategies, addressing observed issues like over-reliance on AI for content generation.
### Homework
– **Finalize Essays:**
– Students are expected to revise their essays based on the feedback given during the class and prepare them for final submission.
– Ensure inclusion of counterarguments, proper citations, and adherence to discussed essay structure.
This session provided a comprehensive review and critique session focusing on the critical analysis of AI’s role in academia, aiming to refine students’ argumentative skills and ethical considerations in using technology in education.