Instructional Insights

Accurate assessment of student knowledge and abilities is foundational to the work of education. Generative AI tools present an existential threat to that accuracy because students can outsource many assessments to AI, successfully bypassing real learning and thus violating academic integrity. This has introduced the perplexing question for instructors of if, when, and how to allow AI use in their courses. 

Generative AI offers a powerful avenue for enhancing disciplinary learning through immersive role-playing exercises. By engaging with AI-powered simulations, students are able to practice navigating complex, real-world conversations within the context of their field. These low-stakes, high-impact scenarios allow learners to build essential skills like resiliency, confidence, and critical problem-solving, all while reinforcing disciplinary knowledge in authentic, applied ways. Structured AI interactions not only prepare students for difficult dialogues they may encounter professionally but also enable them to rehearse responses in a safe, judgment-free space.

Course evaluations can be a rich source of feedback for instructors. Course evaluations are not just an institutional requirement but can be a great way to reflect on teaching and continuous improvement. When approached with a growth mindset, they reveal how students experience the classroom and where teaching strategies may or may not be landing

Engaging 21st-century students in a post-COVID world calls for flexible, student-centered teaching that blends technology, collaboration, and active learning. Whether in physical or virtual classrooms, interactivity and community through discussion, peer feedback, and group projects help students stay connected and motivated. By integrating these elements, educators can create inclusive and future-ready learning environments.

As a UB Faculty member, part of your role is to design learning experiences for your students.  Learning how to create accessible course materials allows you to meet the learning needs for the widest range of students, upfront.  Think for a moment about someone close to you, or one of your students, or even yourself, who learns or works a little differently. Maybe they need more time to absorb information, or they rely on tools like closed captioning, screen readers, or speech-to-text. 

PEARL (Prepare, Engage, Add Value, Reflect, Leverage) offers instructors a practical, scalable structure to support experiential learning across any discipline. Rather than requiring a course overhaul, PEARL enhances what faculty already do by adding intentional stages that help students connect learning to meaningful action. It encourages intellectual curiosity and cultivates students’ sense of agency and relevance.

Open Educational Resources (OERs) are freely accessible and openly licensed teaching materials, such as textbooks, videos, and assignments. These resources empower instructors to deliver more equitable and flexible learning experiences. While reducing the cost of course materials is a major benefit, OERs also improve access for all students by eliminating delays caused by financial or logistical barriers. They allow faculty to tailor and adapt content to fit their course goals and students’ needs, often incorporating diverse perspectives or localized examples. This adaptability can lead to increased student engagement, retention, and academic success.