Spring 2025 NEFDC April Workshop
AI in Academia: Tools, Tips & Strategies to Promote Responsible Use

April 4, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Zoom

Registration is closed

The rapid evolution of generative AI tools—from ChatGPT and CoPilot to SciSpace and Elicit—presents exciting opportunities and significant challenges for the college classroom. As students increasingly turn to AI for academic support, how can you ensure that student use of AI is effective and responsible? This session will offer practical, classroom-level strategies for integrating AI tools into academic research and writing in ways that enhance students’ experience and learning.

You will learn about various AI tools, and how to identify those best suited to specific learning objectives and academic tasks. You will receive resources to co-create course policies that promote responsible AI use, ensuring that students leverage these tools for assistance rather than replacements for their own work.

You will leave with a toolkit of resources and actionable ideas for thoughtfully implementing AI in your courses. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with new strategies for navigating the use of AI in a way that will enhance the educational experience and prepare students for a future where AI plays an integral role.

Presenter: Laura Roberts, Assistant Teaching Professor

Laura is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Integrative and Global Studies Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and the Director of the Worcester Community Project Center (WCPC). In her role at WCPC, she facilitates hands-on, community-driven research projects that empower students to address global challenges at the local level. With a background in nonprofit work focused on health equity, food security, and educational access, Laura brings real-world experience into the classroom. She is currently exploring responsible ways to integrate generative AI into education, working with students to co-create balanced AI use policies that enhance learning and ethical practices. Laura holds a BS from the University of Connecticut, an MPA from Seton Hall University, and an MEd from Eastern Nazarene College.

Fees

• NEFDC Member $30 (check whether your institution is a NEFDC member)
• NEFDC Non-Member $45