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4.4: Start Small- Low-Risk Ways to Try AI

  • Page ID
    253355

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    You don’t need to overhaul your course to begin using AI. Some of the most effective integrations start with small, low-risk practices that enhance teaching without adding complexity. Starting small allows you to test, adapt, and grow your AI confidence at your own pace.

    🧪 Simple Ways to Explore AI in Your Teaching

    • Use AI to rewrite a confusing assignment prompt for clarity and tone
    • Draft a discussion question with multiple difficulty levels using an AI assistant
    • Ask AI to generate a sample student response to use for peer review
    • Summarize a scholarly article into a student-friendly reading guide
    • Create alternate versions of instructions for ESL or neurodivergent learners
    • Generate quiz feedback like: “Correct! You chose this because...” or “Close! Review the concept of...”
    • Use AI to brainstorm alternative assessment formats (e.g., infographics, podcasts, visual essays)

    💬 Tips for Starting Small

    • Choose one task that’s time-consuming or repetitive
    • Keep students informed—let them know when you’re experimenting
    • Avoid uploading student data unless the tool is institutionally approved
    • Reflect on impact: Did it improve clarity, engagement, or access?


    🎓 Why This Matters for Instructors

    Starting small builds momentum. When instructors take a low-stakes approach to AI, they create space to experiment, evaluate outcomes, and scale practices that actually serve their students. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the next right thing with intention.


    This page titled 4.4: Start Small- Low-Risk Ways to Try AI is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .


    This page titled 4.4: Start Small- Low-Risk Ways to Try AI is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Pamela Huntington.