Over the next couple of months I’ll be speaking with teachers across the disciplines to understand how they’re using Generative AI in their subject areas. I’ve recently published a series on Generative AI Strategy for Faculty Leaders, and I believe it’s incredibly important to understand the different implications of the technology in a range of disciplines.
In this first post, I’ve asked Design and Technology teacher Philip Murdoch for some of his thoughts on Generative AI.
What are some of the best ways you’ve seen GenAI used in your subject area?
The ways I’ve seen GenAI used in the Design & Technology subject area are in concept generation using platforms like Adobe Firefly and Bing Image creator. The use of platforms such as Newarc.ai and Vizcom.ai to help students turn their sketches into renders, applying various material and textures to communicate their design ideas.
The ability to have a co-worker to bounce ideas off, ideate new projects and build new resources.
One of the best uses I have seen is to create an immersive learning space with a combination of multiple applications for a senior design course.
What are some of the subject-specific challenges presented by GenAI?
The major challenges I have found is access to the platforms in a school environment. Many of these tools and applications have age restrictions and the ability to produce content and images that are not suitable for high school students.
The ability to get images that represent the prompts the students put in is another challenge, having the students explain their ideas in ways that the image generator can understand and create variations on the students input.
What advice would you give to faculty leaders in your subject area about GenAI?
For those who have not used it, definitely give it a go, don’t pay for anything unless you’re comfortable with the platform. Look for ways that it will help with the workload. If you can’t think of a way to use it, ask it how it can be helpful in your day to day. Trial the application that you are thinking about allowing the students to use and look into the Ts&Cs.
Check with the IT Department to see if you have access as each school tends to have their own policies on what can and cannot be used. Encourage the students to use it, talk with them about it, clearly explain when, where and how it can be used in the classroom. Most of all get comfortable using it before you implement it.
What advice would you give to students?
I encourage students to use it, to explore the possibilities of how it can be used. I explain some of the ethical implications that surround the use of Gen AI so that they can be responsible in their use of this powerful technology. I would also tell them that if they are not at ease in using it, then don’t use it.
Anything else you’d like to add on behalf of your subject?
This is an emerging technology that is in a state of flux at this point in time. Don’t put all your time into one application or platform as they disappear as quickly as they appear. Be flexible as it can be extremely frustrating getting what you want, rather than what you ask for. Be patient with the students as they explore. Most of all have fun with it. This is a brilliant new way to explore creativity both in and out of the classroom.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on generative AI in your subject area, then please get in touch via the contact form below!
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