The Center for Teaching and Learning's AI Working Group Awardees Announced

Making Together

The Center for Teaching and Learning recently partnered with members of the John M. Flaxman Library to develop the 2025 AI Working Group. Faculty from numerous departments applied to be part of a cohort that will address how AI affects teaching and learning at SAIC. As an intended outcome, the group will work with members of the CTL and the Flaxman Library to design a resource for faculty to consult. We are pleased to announce the awardees.

Jennifer Berner

Dr. Jennifer Berner is Associate Professor, Adjunct and Director of the Academic Access Program.  In her application, Dr. Berner raised an important question that is on the minds of many faculty: "How is AI technology changing the discipline of academic and professional writing, and what does that mean for the future of writing instruction more generally?" 

Troy Briggs

Troy Briggs is Associate Professor, Adjunct in Contemporary Practices. Professor Briggs uses "AI as a collaborative prompt with students" and will help the group consider "AI's potential as a learning tool" and how to frame it within clear pedagogical boundaries. Briggs' participation will enable us to consider AI's import in studio environments.

Laura Davis

Laura Davis is Professor, Adjunct in Contemporary Practices. In her application, Professor Davis wrote, "I have been enjoying Eryk Salvaggio's work [...] and newsletter. I listen to a lot of podcasts on the topic and among my favorites are (The Computer) Says Maybe and Tech Won't Save Us." We welcome Professor Davis' enthusiasm for this topic.

Terri Griffith

Terri Griffith is Associate Professor, Adjunct in Liberal Arts. Commenting on the effect ChatGPT has had on students, Professor Griffith notes, "ChatGPT didn't close the gap in my writing classrooms, it widened it. I am still very surprised by this." Such an outcome will bear on the group as it examines the complex nature of AI and its impact on learning.

Garrett Laroy Johnson

Garrett Laroy Johnson is Lecturer in Art and Technology/Sound Practices. Garrett brings a wealth of experience, integrating AI into his courses in innovative and inspiring ways. He wants to learn "more about the contingencies that animate workshop group members' classrooms and how they may inform more experimental modes of working with GPT." 

Claire Lobenfeld

Claire Lobenfeld is Lecturer in Liberal Arts. Claire is particularly attuned to the environmental implications of AI and how it may interfere with broader sustainability efforts. We are eager to consider how her critical analysis of AI and its broader socio-economic and environmental effects may influence how SAIC faculty approach generative AI in their courses.

With Gratitude 

Finally, we owe a debt of gratitude to our fine colleagues in the John M. Flaxman Library. In particular, Mackenzie Salisbury and Alex O'Keefe collaborated with us to transform last year's three-part workshop, "Teaching in the Time of Generative AI," into this working group. Thank you so much for this partnership.