I really like that metaphor! I think some faculty might believe that ChatGPT came out of nowhere in November 2023, but you make a good point that many of us had been welcoming similar technologies into our teaching (and research) well before then. The realization that students could have ChatGPT write an essay for them was a dragon-snapping moment for many, even if they didn't consciously connect ChatGPT with previous tech like Grammarly.
Last night I was the guest speaker in my wife's course for in-service art teachers. (Emily is a former high school art teacher and teaches a methods course for Lipscomb U.) Emily had me in to talk about AI, and none of those teachers seemed to have had any freak out moment with AI. I suspect it's because none of them had the "AI is writing my students essays" experiences, since they don't assign essays.
I think viewing AI as a part of an ongoing story is helpful, since that makes it easier to activate our existing approaches to technology in our teaching and apply them to this new(ish) thing.
I agree with you, Derek! Like you, I found the dragon bite moment to be a compelling metaphor and found the identification of the baby steps towards “write my essay, ChatGPT” insightful.
I am also really intrigued by Brielle’s point that our expertise - our currency - is being potentially devalued by the arrival of this generation of AI. I’ll definitely be thinking more about that!
Hi Juliana, I definitely don’t want to overstate the devaluing point. I think it can feel easier for students to interact with ChatGPT because convos with faculty can feel really abstract and unsettled (we live in the grey while I’ve noticed many students crave simplicity). I’m working on this myself because I can see how frustrating it could be to have an asterisk next to every response as a beginner/novice
Emily’s experience is super interesting to think about. I wonder how they would feel if she were specifically discussing AI created Art. I’ve been following the AI conversation in the music and entertainment space and it’s been fascinating to see how creators are thinking about this topic because there are similar tensions in what is truly ours when it comes to art given that everything is inspired by something. In any case, I really appreciate the comment. I’m looking forward to all the conversations you’re having on the topic!
I keep thinking about how certain faculty feel they're part of the Night's Watch and view AI as the White Walkers. They see themselves as the only line of defense against this huge, existential threat that others seem oblivious to. But I guess my metaphor falls apart because the White Walkers aren't really something dangerous that can *also* be used for good.
Dragons make more sense in that aspect. They can be an incredible tool/ally, but only in the hands of a skilled dragon rider! And even when they're used to accomplish something positive, they usually cause collateral damage.
Yes, I chose the dragon moment for just the reason you point out. And also, specifically Season 3 (rather than 8) because the former allows for a much more nuanced conversation. Season 8 destruction lends itself to the threat narrative.
I agree with you that faculty members need to be in conversation with others. We aren’t the sun and the moon in this conversation and can learn a lot (and help a lot too) with a bit of humility.
Thanks so much for engaging—it’s great to e-meet you!
I really like that metaphor! I think some faculty might believe that ChatGPT came out of nowhere in November 2023, but you make a good point that many of us had been welcoming similar technologies into our teaching (and research) well before then. The realization that students could have ChatGPT write an essay for them was a dragon-snapping moment for many, even if they didn't consciously connect ChatGPT with previous tech like Grammarly.
Last night I was the guest speaker in my wife's course for in-service art teachers. (Emily is a former high school art teacher and teaches a methods course for Lipscomb U.) Emily had me in to talk about AI, and none of those teachers seemed to have had any freak out moment with AI. I suspect it's because none of them had the "AI is writing my students essays" experiences, since they don't assign essays.
I think viewing AI as a part of an ongoing story is helpful, since that makes it easier to activate our existing approaches to technology in our teaching and apply them to this new(ish) thing.
I agree with you, Derek! Like you, I found the dragon bite moment to be a compelling metaphor and found the identification of the baby steps towards “write my essay, ChatGPT” insightful.
I am also really intrigued by Brielle’s point that our expertise - our currency - is being potentially devalued by the arrival of this generation of AI. I’ll definitely be thinking more about that!
Also, thanks so much for subscribing and commenting. It’s been great getting to know you and thinking out loud on Fridays!
Hi Juliana, I definitely don’t want to overstate the devaluing point. I think it can feel easier for students to interact with ChatGPT because convos with faculty can feel really abstract and unsettled (we live in the grey while I’ve noticed many students crave simplicity). I’m working on this myself because I can see how frustrating it could be to have an asterisk next to every response as a beginner/novice
Emily’s experience is super interesting to think about. I wonder how they would feel if she were specifically discussing AI created Art. I’ve been following the AI conversation in the music and entertainment space and it’s been fascinating to see how creators are thinking about this topic because there are similar tensions in what is truly ours when it comes to art given that everything is inspired by something. In any case, I really appreciate the comment. I’m looking forward to all the conversations you’re having on the topic!
I keep thinking about how certain faculty feel they're part of the Night's Watch and view AI as the White Walkers. They see themselves as the only line of defense against this huge, existential threat that others seem oblivious to. But I guess my metaphor falls apart because the White Walkers aren't really something dangerous that can *also* be used for good.
Dragons make more sense in that aspect. They can be an incredible tool/ally, but only in the hands of a skilled dragon rider! And even when they're used to accomplish something positive, they usually cause collateral damage.
Yes, I chose the dragon moment for just the reason you point out. And also, specifically Season 3 (rather than 8) because the former allows for a much more nuanced conversation. Season 8 destruction lends itself to the threat narrative.
I agree with you that faculty members need to be in conversation with others. We aren’t the sun and the moon in this conversation and can learn a lot (and help a lot too) with a bit of humility.
Thanks so much for engaging—it’s great to e-meet you!