👩🏫 Empathy Map: Faculty Learning & Using AI in the College Classroom
This map outlines the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of faculty as they explore and implement AI in teaching. It helps support responsive professional development and inclusive AI strategies.
1. THINK & FEEL
- Concerned about ethical implications and academic integrity.
- Curious but unsure where to start.
- Overwhelmed by AI’s rapid evolution and its impact on education.
- Fearful of losing the human element in teaching.
- Worried about potential bias in AI tools.
- Excited about AI’s potential to enhance student engagement.
2. SEE
- News articles and research on AI in education.
- Colleagues experimenting with AI tools in different ways.
- Emerging institutional policies and guidelines on AI usage.
- Professional development opportunities, including workshops and training sessions.
- Students integrating AI into their work—sometimes in ways that raise concerns.
3. HEAR
- Conflicting perspectives on AI from administrators, colleagues, and media.
- Student questions about the acceptable use of AI.
- Discussions in faculty meetings about AI’s role in the curriculum.
- Concerns about academic dishonesty and AI’s influence on assessments.
- Enthusiastic voices advocating for AI’s benefits in education.
4. SAY & DO
- Seek guidance on AI policies and best practices.
- Experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, or AI-assisted grading.
- Express skepticism about AI’s reliability and ethical concerns.
- Share successes and failures with colleagues.
- Adapt teaching strategies in response to AI’s impact on student learning.
5. PAIN POINTS
- Lack of clear institutional guidelines or training.
- Uncertainty about AI’s impact on student learning and assessment.
- Fear of AI replacing aspects of their role as educators.
- Concerns about equitable access to AI tools for all students.
- Pressure to adapt quickly without adequate time or resources.
6. GAINS & OPPORTUNITIES
- AI can streamline administrative tasks and grading.
- AI offers opportunities for personalized student learning experiences.
- Potential to enhance engagement and innovation in teaching.
- Professional development in AI literacy could improve teaching effectiveness.
- Faculty can play a role in shaping AI policies and best practices within their institution.
