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1: An Introduction to AI

  • Page ID
    251500

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    Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up everywhere—from recommendation engines and writing tools to virtual assistants and educational platforms. But what is AI, really? And why is it becoming so important in higher education?

    AI can feel complex or intimidating, especially when it’s generating essays, feedback, or lesson plans with just a few typed words. But at its core, AI isn’t magic. It doesn’t “think” the way humans do—it follows learned patterns to generate what it predicts will be useful, based on data it has seen before.

    This section is designed to give you a grounded, jargon-free introduction to AI—no coding background or tech expertise required. Whether you’re brand new to the topic or looking to fill in the gaps, you’ll walk away with a solid foundation for understanding AI in a teaching and learning context.


    🧩 What You’ll Explore in This Chapter

    • What artificial intelligence is—and isn’t
    • The different types of AI you’re likely to encounter in education
    • What generative AI does and how it differs from other tools
    • How machine learning helps AI “learn” from data
    • Where you’re already using AI in everyday life (often without realizing it)
    • Why understanding the basics helps you guide student use and make informed instructional choices

    By the end of this section, you’ll have a working understanding of what AI is, how it functions in educational settings, and how to begin thinking critically about its role in your teaching practice.


    🔍 Chapter Takeaway

    AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s already shaping the way students learn and instructors teach. You don’t need to be an expert to engage with it. A basic understanding of what AI is—and what it isn’t—can help you make thoughtful decisions, ask better questions, and support your students more effectively. As you move through this guide, keep one thing in mind: your curiosity, judgment, and experience as an educator are more important than any tool. You're already prepared to lead this conversation—this guide will just help you do it with more clarity and confidence.


    This page titled 1: An Introduction to AI is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .


    This page titled 1: An Introduction to AI is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Pamela Huntington.

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