Why This Matters
Recent research shows that while 45% of students are already using AI in their coursework, 85% of instructors have not yet incorporated it into their teaching. This gap presents both challenges and opportunities:
- Students primarily use AI for writing support (36%), brainstorming (29%), and understanding difficult concepts (20%)
- Many instructors express concerns about critical thinking and learning retention
- However, when thoughtfully implemented, AI can serve as a "force multiplier" for effective teaching practices
Today, we'll start by experiencing AI as a learning tool ourselves, helping build firsthand understanding of its potential and limitations.
Step 1: Choose Your Learning Challenge
Think of a concept you'd like to understand better. This could be:
- A teaching method or framework you've heard about but haven't fully explored
- A technical concept that would help you better support your students
- A topic where you'd benefit from additional examples or explanations
Step 2: Engage with AI
Research shows effective AI interactions often involve specific strategies:
Proven Strategies
- Ask for multiple examples
- Request different explanations
- Connect to familiar concepts
- Break down complex ideas
Common Pitfalls
- Accepting first answer only
- Not verifying information
- Missing key context
- Overlooking limitations
Example Learning Dialogue
Here's how you might work with AI to understand a challenging concept:
I'm having trouble understanding Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in project management. Can you explain it?
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is like creating a detailed map of your project. Think of it as breaking down a big task into smaller, manageable pieces in a hierarchical way.
For example, if you were planning a birthday party, your WBS might look like:
1. Venue
- Research locations
- Book space
- Arrange setup
2. Food
- Plan menu
- Order cake
- Arrange catering
Would you like to try creating a simple WBS for a project you're familiar with?
That helps! But I'm still confused about the difference between a WBS and a regular to-do list.
That's a common misconception! The key difference is that a WBS is hierarchical and scope-focused, while a to-do list is typically sequential and task-focused.
Let me show you with your birthday party example:
To-Do List:
1. Call venues
2. Book venue
3. Order cake
4. Send invitations
WBS:
1. Event Planning
- Venue Management
* Location research
* Contract negotiation
- Guest Management
* Create guest list
* Design invitations
* Track RSVPs
See how the WBS shows relationships and categories, while the to-do list just shows sequence?
Oh, I think I get it. So would milestones go in a WBS?
Another great question that touches on a common confusion! Actually, milestones don't belong in a WBS - they belong in your project schedule or timeline.
A WBS focuses on deliverables (the what), not timing (the when). Think of it this way:
- WBS: Shows what needs to be created/delivered
- Timeline: Shows when things happen
- To-do list: Shows individual actions to take
Would you like to try identifying what elements from your project would go in each of these?
Your Turn
Now try exploring your own challenging concept below. Remember to:
- Start with a clear description of what you're trying to understand
- Ask follow-up questions when something isn't clear
- Challenge your understanding by posing "what if" scenarios
- Request concrete examples that connect to your experience