In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Professor Kim Marks, Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis. Together, they explore how the university’s longest-running distance education program is navigating the evolving landscape of generative AI.

Professor Marks shares practical insights on how her department is thoughtfully integrating AI into the curriculum—without sacrificing foundational writing and critical thinking skills.

Topics include:

• AI literacy and ethical classroom integration

• Why generative AI checkers don’t work—and what does

• Faculty development strategies using “train-the-trainer” models

• How to balance fear and innovation in the age of generative AI

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. Learn more about the department's programs, faculty, and digital innovation initiatives: https://www.memphis.edu/jrsm

Sample AI Syllabus Statements from Journalism & Strategic Media. Read, use, or modify the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media syllabus policy on AI use, as discussed in the episode: https://www.memphis.edu/um3d/resources/genaisyllabus.php

UM3D. UM3D supports online course development, instructional technologies, and faculty training at the University of Memphis. https://www.memphis.edu/um3d

AI for Education. Train-the-trainer program mentioned by Professor Marks. Offers free resources, professional development courses, and AI literacy tools for K–12 and higher ed. https://www.aiforeducation.io