Large Language Models in Education
LAI 686. Spring 2024. 3 credits. Tuesdays, 4:10-6:50pm, Baldy 218. In-person, but remote student participation allowed with instructor permission.
This is an interdisciplinary, studio-based course focused on designing and implementing theoretically-grounded tools for K12 teaching and learning. Over the semester, teams of students will articulate a learning goal and then design, build, deploy, and analyze an AI application in partnership with a school or community organization.
Students from multiple departments with experience in design, education research, and/or computer science are encouraged to join. Interested students should either enroll in LAI 686, or contact Dr. Proctor for more information.
Prerequisites
There are no hard prerequisites for this class, but you will be working in a group which collectively needs experience in three domains: educational research, design, and software development. You should have a substantial background in at least one of these areas. Specifically, this means:
- For educational research, at least one year of doctoral coursework in education. You should have some background in theoretical issues related to teaching and learning and should know how to read and talk about a research paper.
- For design, some experience (academic or industry) using iterative design methodologies in any field. (e.g. UI/UX, mecahnical engineering, industrial design, software engineering, graphic design, etc.) It helps to have familiarity with tools such as Adobe CS and practices such as user research, developing user stories, wireframing, and critiques.
- For software development, the equivalent of CSE 115 and CSE 116. You should know some programming language and have built something with code before.
Course overview
FAQ
Is this course open to undergraduates?
Yes, with instructor permission. Please see UB's requirements, and note that the petition must be submitted before the semester starts. Interested undergraduates are encouraged to contact Dr. Proctor.
How do I enroll? I can't find LAI 686.
This course had a registrar issue (now fixed) in December 2023, which prevented some students from locating or enrolling in the course. If you are having any trouble accessing this course, please contact Dr. Proctor.
I'm a student in another department. Can this course count for my major requirements?
We have not yet negotiated cross-listing this course, or having it count for departments outside of LAI. However, the course is highly-relevant to a few different fields of study. If you want to make the case for counting this course toward a requirement, Dr. Proctor will support you.
