Generative AI has become a hot topic in education, especially with the growing interest in using tools like ChatGPT for teaching and learning. Harvard University’s recent Professional and Lifelong Learning Summit brought together over 300 educators and administrators to discuss how AI is transforming classrooms.
Vice Provost for Advances in Learning, Bharat Anand, was the keynote speaker and shared insights on how AI is not replacing teachers but helping them improve their teaching methods. Here’s a look at how Harvard has encouraged faculty to experiment with AI and what they are learning from it.
The Rise of Generative AI in Teaching
Generative AI, especially tools like ChatGPT, has become increasingly popular in universities, thanks to its accessibility and potential to improve teaching.
According to Bharat Anand, the introduction of ChatGPT has been a game-changer because anyone, not just tech experts, can use these tools easily. AI is helping educators streamline repetitive tasks, saving them time for more valuable teaching moments.
At Harvard, faculty initially had mixed reactions to the introduction of AI. Some were excited, while others felt uncertain. Despite this, Harvard’s Information Technology department created a secure “GenAI sandbox,” allowing faculty, staff, and students to experiment with AI without fear of making mistakes.
This sandbox became a space for collaboration, where educators could prototype and test new ways to use AI in their classrooms.
Sharing Knowledge Through Faculty Voices Video Library
As AI adoption grew, faculty members at Harvard began experimenting with AI tools in their classrooms. To encourage others to try similar methods, Harvard launched the GenAI Faculty Voices Video Library.
This project features short interviews with faculty across different departments, highlighting how they’ve used AI to improve their teaching. The goal of the video library is to provide concrete examples that educators can immediately apply in their own classrooms.
Melissa Tarr, assistant director at VPAL’s Harvard Institute for Learning and Teaching, emphasized that these videos offer quick, practical lessons for educators.
Topics covered in these interviews range from course planning and creating assignments to revising assessments and engaging students in class discussions.
AI’s Role: Augmentation, Not Substitution
An important takeaway from these experiments is that AI is not here to replace educators. Instead, it’s seen as a tool to help them with routine tasks, such as summarizing student responses or drafting practice questions.
By handling these time-consuming tasks, AI allows teachers to focus more on high-impact teaching. The idea is to automate mundane tasks so that educators can put their energy into activities that truly enhance student learning.
For example, AI tools have been used to create practice problems for students, support tutoring, and offer timely feedback.
Many faculty members are also using AI to help students understand how these tools work, fostering critical thinking by showing where AI might fail and how students can adapt.
Building a Community of Learning and Innovation
Harvard’s approach to AI in education is rooted in curiosity, reflection, and collaboration. The University has established multiple working groups across different departments to explore how AI can be integrated into research, administration, and teaching.
These groups are not only developing resources for faculty but also tracking the latest trends and ethical considerations in AI use.
The GenAI Faculty Voices Video Library is just one part of Harvard’s larger initiative. Anand mentioned that they will continue adding new videos and supporting thoughtful experimentation with AI.
One of the key goals is to improve AI literacy across the University and encourage discussions about the ethical use of AI tools.
Looking Ahead: A Campus-Wide Conversation
Harvard is also planning a University-wide symposium to discuss the future of generative AI. Scheduled for May 13, this event will bring together voices from across the university to discuss AI’s impact on research, teaching, administration, and operations.
The symposium aims to spark a deeper conversation about the role of AI in higher education and how universities can best move forward with these technologies.
According to Provost John Manning, the Faculty Voices Video Library reflects the creativity happening across Harvard’s campus. He’s excited to see what further innovations will emerge as the university continues to explore the potential of generative AI.
Generative AI has begun to shape the future of education at Harvard University, offering both opportunities and challenges. By creating a safe space for experimentation and fostering a community of learning, Harvard is setting an example of how AI can enhance teaching and learning.
The growing use of AI in classrooms helps teachers save time and improve their effectiveness, ultimately benefiting students.
As more faculty members explore these tools, the ongoing conversation around AI will only grow stronger, ensuring that its integration into education is both thoughtful and responsible.
