Empowering Instructors | Supporting Excellence
CATT News & Updates | Spring 2025
AI in Teaching and Learning: Spring 2025 Events
By JEREMY COOPER
Published March 5, 2025
Artificial intelligence is transforming teaching and learning—and UB is committed to supporting instructors as they navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Throughout the spring semester, CATT is hosting a series of events to help faculty and staff explore how AI can enhance teaching, discover innovative uses for generative AI tools, and learn more about UB’s ongoing efforts to develop policies, guidance, and best practices for responsible AI integration.
On this page
May 7 | 9 a.m. - noon | Davis Hall, 101
Explore AI Reception to Follow | noon - 1 p.m.
Led by Dr. Juanita Jean (JJ) Wallace, an expert in AI pedagogy and digital learning strategies, this session will provide practical takeaways for instructors looking to enhance AI-driven learning experiences. This in-depth, interactive workshop will guide participants through the fundamentals of AI prompt engineering—the skill of crafting effective inputs to optimize AI-generated responses. Space is limited, register today!
What to Expect:
✔ Hands-on exercises and breakout sessions
✔ Practical strategies for using AI tools to enhance teaching and learning
✔ Opportunities to explore how prompt engineering can improve classroom engagement and student outcomes
Explore AI Reception:
Following the workshop, attendees will have the chance to engage directly with CATT staff at Explore AI stations, where participants can explore generative AI tools. Light refreshments will be available.
JJ Wallace is the Program Director and Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and serves as the Digital Liberal Arts Fellow in the Bingham Center for Teaching Excellence. In this role, she investigates how digital technologies are transforming higher education. Her research focuses on integrating emerging tools—such as AI and XR—into engaged learning strategies to improve student experiences. She has shared her findings in more than 50 presentations, posters, publications, and workshops at local, state, national, and international venues, offering practical insights for higher education professionals seeking to incorporate digital technologies in their teaching.
This event will be held in person only and will not be recorded to preserve the interactive nature of the session.
Explore AI workshops provide hands-on opportunities for UB instructors and staff to experiment with generative AI tools and explore their potential in teaching, learning, and professional practice. Each session focuses on a specific theme or challenge, offering practical strategies, guided activities, and collaborative discussions to help participants develop confidence and creativity in using AI effectively.
These workshops are in person only and space is limited. Those interested are encouraged to register early.
Devices containing Generative AI software will be provided for attendees to follow along with each workshop facilitator.
Using Generative AI for Project-Based Learning
April 22 | 11 a.m. - noon | Location TBD
facilitated by Dr. Mara Huber
This workshop is now at capacity. If seats become available, they will appear on the registration form.
How can AI help design, support, and scale project-based learning? This workshop explores how generative AI tools can assist in brainstorming, structuring, and refining project-based assignments while maintaining creativity and academic rigor. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to test AI-powered approaches in their teaching.
AI-Powered Role-Playing – Preparing Students for the Future
April 30 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Capen 310 (Silverman Library)
facilitated by Dr. Rachael Webb
With an emphasis on prompt construction, this workshop will introduce ways to use role-playing with generative AI to enhance student engagement. Interacting with GenAI agents teaches students critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Attendees will participate in scenarios and leave with suggestions on how integrate role-playing into their own instructional practice.
These open office hours offer a casual, unstructured time for instructors and staff to explore generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and CoPilot. Whether you have a specific challenge, want to experiment with AI-driven workflows, or simply have questions, these sessions provide a space for hands-on engagement with AI technologies.