AI tools have been in use for decades. One of the AI tools that garnered the most interest, particularly from educators, was ChatGPT in December 2022. Many educators expressed concerns about plagiarism, overreliance on technology, and the potential dissemination of inaccurate and biased information that may impede student learning. Others contend it can enhance course instructions, activities, assessments, and critical thinking and automate routine academic tasks. Recently, an improved version of ChatGPT- 4 was launched with its capacity to use text and images, and in mid-March 2023, it opened to Microsoft Office Suite.

The objectives of the discussion are to:

• Provide a brief introduction to popular AI tools in higher education, emphasizing the development of ChatGPT.

• Explore the applications (benefits and challenges) of ChatGPT in the Family Science courses and present successful examples of its use in developing and facilitating activities and assessments.

• Examine the role of ChatGPT on DEI practices to integrate diverse perspectives and promote equitable outcomes.

• Outline future directions of ChatGPT in teaching Family Science and academic research.

About the Presenter

Dr. Mamta Saxena is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego. She completed her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s degree in Child Development from Delhi University, India. At SUNY Oswego, Dr. Saxena teaches courses on lifespan development, research methods, and special topics such as diversity and social justice, siblings, and extended family. Her research interests include mental health, sibling caregiving, pedagogy of methods courses, and study abroad programs.

NCFR Teaching Tuesdays

Teaching Tuesdays is a quarterly, interactive opportunity for NCFR members who teach in an academic setting to learn more about academic teaching. Presenter(s) will talk briefly about a topic related to teaching followed by a discussion with the presenter(s) and audience members. The discussion will focus on applying the information presented to enhance classroom pedagogy.

These events are free to all current NCFR members. The meetings will be recorded.

If you would like to be a session facilitator, contact Jennifer Crosswhite via email