Generative AI

In Spring 2024, the Provost’s Office convened a working group of faculty and staff to develop guidance around the use of generative AI in teaching and learning. The group met several times throughout spring and summer semesters. The following information reflects the working group’s perspective on generative AI and does not represent the official position of Butler University on this topic.

Generative AI is part of contemporary work, academia, and culture. While it has the potential to greatly enhance productivity, learning, and creativity, it is crucial to understand its limitations and the ethical implications of its use. As we use generative AI, we must keep in mind the developers and the for-profit nature of the tools. We must raise awareness of and advocate against injustices, inaccuracies, biases, and potential misuse of this technology. 

In an academic setting, it is important to teach students, staff, and faculty how to use generative AI ethically and effectively. There are many unknowns about generative AI and its effect on thinking, creativity, and other uniquely human skills. Students, faculty, and staff at Butler should know the ways in which their field is using generative AI, and they should know enough about the technology to make an informed decision as to whether they choose to use it or not. We should integrate generative AI into the curriculum where appropriate, emphasizing its benefits, fostering critical thinking about its applications, and considering drawbacks. Such drawbacks include environmental impact, intellectual property violations, copyright concerns, job displacement, and the disruption of traditional teaching roles. By balancing optimism and hearty skepticism, we can prepare the Butler community to use this technology ethically, effectively, and innovatively in their academic and professional lives. 

The research and best practices around generative AI will continue to develop. We recognize that the information gathered here represents information at a specific moment in time and is part of an iterative process and ongoing conversations. We believe that diverse perspectives sharpen our collective understanding, and we welcome feedback on the work collected here. 

Faculty Framework for Gai

Developed in the summer of 2024, the Framework outlines a roadmap for faculty using GAI in teaching and learning.

GAI Faculty Framework

Ai Ready: All Campus Essentials

This year, Butler University is participating in a program hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) designed to foster learning, share resources, and increase effective adoption related to artificial intelligence (AI). This program equips faculty, staff, and administrators with a foundational understanding of generative A.I. as it relates to rotating topics relevant to our campuses.

Learn more & register

Gai Lesson Plans From Palni Faculty

Over the course of the 2023-24 academic year, faculty from several institutions, including Butler University, in the Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) contributed to an open repository of peer-reviewed generative AI class activities. Launch the repository to search for ideas on how to use AI in your discipline or adapt any of the ideas to fit your context.

Launch the GAI class activities collection

GAI Workgroup

Acknowledgement and gratitude are given to the numerous players involved in the broader Butler University’s GAI Workgroup. 

Alexander
Carter
Assistant Professor
College of Communication
Headshot of Alexandre Erkine
Alexandre
Erkine
Professor – Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Health Professions
Headshot of Megan Grady
Megan
Grady
Associate Director Academic Partnerships
Online Education and Educational Technology
Headshot of Wade Javorsky
Wade
Javorsky
CISO and Deputy CIO
Information Technology
Headshot of Chad Miller
Chad
Miller
Lecturer in Applied Business Technology
Entrepreneurship & ABT
Headshot of Chloe Moushey
Chloe
Moushey
Lecturer & Program Director for Online Counseling Programs
College of Education and Human Development
Headshot of Steve Nyktas
Steve
Nyktas
Professor of Art and Department Chair
Art + Design – JCA
Headshot of Ashlee Tietje
Ashlee
Tietje
Assistant Professor, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Biological Sciences – LAS
Headshot of Kelly Van Busum
Kelly
Van Busum
Assistant Professor
Computer Science and Software Engineering – LAS