Have you heard about the new higher ed specific AI model launched by Anthropic last month? Claude for Education promises to be a model designed to do more than give students answers. In this episode of The Prof Talk Pod, we talk about how AI companies are actively engaging with institutions in higher ed and what that means for faculty, students, and administrators. If you are new to the genAI space or already spending half your day in ChatGPT, you will learn some actionable ways you can learn more about the platforms and educate yourself to help support your students.

Claude for Education

https://chatgpt.com/students

Teaching with AI

Have questions or need help? Contact me at [email protected]

In Episode 16 of The Prof Talk Pod, we talk about the significance of faculty attendance at graduation ceremonies. We share common negative perceptions among faculty about attending these events and suggest a shift in mindset to understand the importance of attending graduation for students and the university community. Our discussions include personal anecdotes that highlight emotional connections formed during graduation, and the broader institutional implications of faculty engagement. Listen to hear more about why being present at graduation can enhance your sense of community, positively influence student experiences, and ultimately benefit the institution.

This episode of the Prof Talk Pod, hosted by Becky Achen and Galen Clavio, discusses the integration of generative AI tools to improve teaching methods in higher education. We highlight the hesitation and challenges faculty face in adopting these technologies and offer practical insights on how incorporating AI can save time, generate creative assignment ideas, and offer real-time feedback. We also share personal experiences using tools like ChatGPT for generating detailed and innovative assignments, and keeping course content relevant and up-to-date.

MIT Sloan AI Tools: https://mitsloanedtech.mit.edu/ai/tools/

Harvard Teach with Generative AI: https://www.harvard.edu/ai/teaching-resources/

In this episode of The Prof Talk Pod, we discuss the transition students face from college to careers, and the role faculty can play in supporting them. We cover the importance of early career advice, and the need to build in opportunities to help students explore career options early and often. Also, we cover structural changes needed in higher education to better integrate career readiness into curricula, and share practical tips for faculty to help students navigate their career paths.

In this episode of The Prof Talk Pod, we cover the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing university-wide AI policies. We discuss varied disciplinary needs and the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology. The conversation turns to how adoption of AI in higher ed is similar to other tools like the internet and Wikipedia. Ultimately, the nuances across programs, and even classes, can make general AI policies challenging, and faculty should experiment what works for them while consulting industry professionals and alumni to ensure students are well-prepared for their future careers.

In Episode 012 of The Prof Talk Pod, we discuss the importance of gathering mid-semester feedback from students to improve teaching effectiveness. Learn how early feedback can prevent surprises in final evaluations and give you practical ways to implement changes based on student input. We talk about different methods of obtaining feedback, how to handle negative and positive responses, and the significance of making students feel heard.

In Episode 11 of The Prof Talk Pod, we discuss how to have difficult conversations with students in the classroom. We share our experiences and strategies for addressing contentious topics, maintaining control, and promoting critical thinking and empathy among students. Listen in for actionable advice on how to make your classroom a space for productive and respectful dialogue.

Not sure if, or when, to use guest speakers in your classroom? In the 10th episode The Prof Talk Pod, we talk about the benefits of using guest speakers to support your teaching. We consider how guest speakers can enhance the learning experience, provide networking opportunities, and offer real-world perspectives that students can relate to. We give practical tips on how to select and vet guest speakers, prepare your students for their visit, and maximize the value of guest presentations.

Want to talk through an idea? Contact Becky at [email protected]

In Episode 009 of The Prof Talk Pod we explore the importance of Syllabus Day and how you can set the tone for a successful semester. We discuss some strategies we have used to create a compelling first day, including setting clear expectations, engaging students from the start, and the importance of sharing your teaching philosophy. Want to avoid "wasting" the first day of class? Listen in!

Need help or want to discuss an idea? Contact me at [email protected].

We love podcasts (obviously!). In this episode, we discuss how to use podcasts as a unique and effective student assignment. We talk about the benefits of podcast assignments, including their ability to increase student engagement, improve verbal communication skills, and offer a fresh alternative to traditional papers. Learn practical strategies for implementing podcasts in your classroom, how to structure the assignments, and ways to support students as they complete them.

Need help turning your assignment deliverable into a podcast? Contact Becky at [email protected].