Joe Gutierrez | Office of Strategic Communication | (909) 537-3007 | joeg@csusb.edu
The use of artificial intelligence applications, primarily ChatGPT, will be the topic of a faculty panel discussion at Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday, March 22.
Free and open to the public, “ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives,” will be presented by the CSUSB Libraries and the Faculty Center for Excellence from noon-1:30 p.m. on Zoom. To obtain the link to the livestream, register on the library’s event page.
ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by the software company Open AI and released in November, has been in numerous headlines in recent months because of how sophisticated it is in taking information it is given, coupled with the ability to search the internet, and come up with answers – in quick fashion – to complex questions, even to the point of writing papers. Stretching its boundaries, one journalist asked it to write a symphony, a letter to an ex and more. In some cases, writers wondered whether they might find themselves out of a job because of ChatGPT.
In academia, issues of academic integrity are among the topics of discussion, as well as whether to allow its use and how to spot a ChatGPT-authored research paper versus one written by a student.
In the March 22 panel discussion, moderated by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rafik Mohamed, a broad cross section of academic disciplines will share insights and perspectives on ChatGPT and its implications for instruction, research and writing.
Panelists are Mike Chao, biology; George Georgiou and Fadi Muheidat, computer science and engineering; Matthew Poole, art history and theory; Mihaela Popescu, communication studies; and Megan Zane, philosophy.
For more information on the March 22 panel discussion, contact Robie Madrigal at rmadriga@csusb.edu
Editor's note: A staff member in the Office of Strategic Communication wanted to see how ChatGPT would respond if it was given the assignment of writing a news release to promote the event. The exchange and the result (which listed the retired library dean instead of the current one, which, we suppose, means copy editors and fact-checkers may still have some measure of job security. Also note that ChatGPT listed Priyanka Yalamanchili, special education, rehabilitation and counseling, who will not be able to participate in the event, and omits Fadi Muheidat, who was a late addition to the panel):
Q: If I gave you the basic information, would you be able to write a news article on an event?
ChatGPT: Yes, I can definitely write a news article based on the basic information provided. Please provide me with the details of the event including the date, location, key players involved, and any other relevant information that would be useful in the article.
Q: Thank you! Here is the basic information. (The send button was pressed before the pertinent information was entered).
ChatGPT: Great! Please provide me with the details of the event including the date, location, key players involved, and any other relevant information that would be useful in the article.
Q: The event is called “ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives.” It will take place at noon on Wednesday, March 22. It is being presented by The California State University, San Bernardino Libraries and the university’s Faculty Center for Excellence. It is free and open to the public. It will be moderated by CSUSB Provost Rafik Mohamed. CSUSB faculty panelists are: Mike Chao, biology; George Georgiou, computer science and engineering; Matthew Poole, art history and theory; Mihaela Popescu, communication studies; Priyanka Yalamanchili, special education, rehabilitation and counseling; and Megan Zane, philosophy.
ChatGPT: Thank you for providing the details for the event “ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives”. Based on the information provided, here’s a news article:
CSUSB Libraries and Faculty Center for Excellence to Host "ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives" Event
SAN BERNARDINO, CA - The California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) Libraries and the university's Faculty Center for Excellence are presenting an event called "ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives" on Wednesday, March 22, at noon. The event will take place at CSUSB's Pfau Library, and is free and open to the public.
“ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives” will be moderated by CSUSB Provost Rafik Mohamed. The panel of faculty members from different disciplines will discuss their perspectives on the use of AI chatbots in university settings, specifically focusing on the use of ChatGPT. The faculty panelists are: Mike Chao from the Department of Biology; George Georgiou from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Matthew Poole from the Department of Art History and Theory; Mihaela Popescu from the Department of Communication Studies; Priyanka Yalamanchili from the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling; and Megan Zane from the Department of Philosophy.
“ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives” aims to explore the potential of AI chatbots like ChatGPT as a tool for improving student engagement and learning outcomes. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the possibilities and challenges associated with the use of AI chatbots in education from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
According to CSUSB Libraries Dean Cesar Caballero, “We are excited to host this event to discuss the intersection of AI and education. We hope that this event will provide a forum for faculty members and the public to engage in meaningful conversations about the potential of AI chatbots to enhance the learning experience.”
For more information about “ChatGPT in the University: Faculty Perspectives,” please visit the CSUSB Libraries website.
