Christopher D. Brown
@prof-brown.bsky.social
Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics
(views are solely my own & do not reflect my employer in any way)
PhD in Physics. Background in Biophysics - currently interested in PER & pedagogy, esp. surrounding A.I. as a learning tool.
(views are solely my own & do not reflect my employer in any way)
PhD in Physics. Background in Biophysics - currently interested in PER & pedagogy, esp. surrounding A.I. as a learning tool.
Reposted by Christopher D. Brown
And here's the link to Don't Just Do Nothing. Not my work, I just thought it was really helpful and wanted to share with people.
itsgoingdown.org/dont-just-do...
itsgoingdown.org/dont-just-do...
Don’t Just Do Nothing: 20 Things You Can Do to Counter Fascism
Jewish anarchists weigh-in on how people can organize and act in the changing terrain. For a zine PDF, go here. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it. ...
itsgoingdown.org
February 25, 2025 at 4:56 AM
And here's the link to Don't Just Do Nothing. Not my work, I just thought it was really helpful and wanted to share with people.
itsgoingdown.org/dont-just-do...
itsgoingdown.org/dont-just-do...
Love this example!
February 25, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Love this example!
Love using it to automate monotonous or tedious tasks. But I want my students to recognize the difference between those tasks and exercises where learning occurs. Good thing though is that they’re smart. They pick up on this stuff fast
February 25, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Love using it to automate monotonous or tedious tasks. But I want my students to recognize the difference between those tasks and exercises where learning occurs. Good thing though is that they’re smart. They pick up on this stuff fast
The errors are what make me pause when someone replaces a search engine with an LLM. Like it’s super fancy autocomplete backed by a crapload of linear algebra. It gets a lot right but can mess up … and sometimes it’s HARD to know or find when it’s messed up.
February 25, 2025 at 12:39 AM
The errors are what make me pause when someone replaces a search engine with an LLM. Like it’s super fancy autocomplete backed by a crapload of linear algebra. It gets a lot right but can mess up … and sometimes it’s HARD to know or find when it’s messed up.
Some how I missed ⚛️...
Dang it! Read the whole thing
Here's several more for good measure ⚛️⚛️⚛️
Dang it! Read the whole thing
Here's several more for good measure ⚛️⚛️⚛️
February 24, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Some how I missed ⚛️...
Dang it! Read the whole thing
Here's several more for good measure ⚛️⚛️⚛️
Dang it! Read the whole thing
Here's several more for good measure ⚛️⚛️⚛️
I'll wrap it up here on a prime number.
I'm really interested in how we can constructively and purposefully use AI to enhance learning. If you'd like to chat more with me, feel free to DM me or reply here. Thanks for reading!
Be kind to each other and do good in the world.
[47/47]🧪🎢
I'm really interested in how we can constructively and purposefully use AI to enhance learning. If you'd like to chat more with me, feel free to DM me or reply here. Thanks for reading!
Be kind to each other and do good in the world.
[47/47]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I'll wrap it up here on a prime number.
I'm really interested in how we can constructively and purposefully use AI to enhance learning. If you'd like to chat more with me, feel free to DM me or reply here. Thanks for reading!
Be kind to each other and do good in the world.
[47/47]🧪🎢
I'm really interested in how we can constructively and purposefully use AI to enhance learning. If you'd like to chat more with me, feel free to DM me or reply here. Thanks for reading!
Be kind to each other and do good in the world.
[47/47]🧪🎢
... us as educators, and as scientists, to adapt to the challenges and new tools available to us. We owe it to our students, our communities, and our future.
Okay... getting a little preachy there. I'll get off my soapbox now.
[46/x]🧪🎢
Okay... getting a little preachy there. I'll get off my soapbox now.
[46/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
... us as educators, and as scientists, to adapt to the challenges and new tools available to us. We owe it to our students, our communities, and our future.
Okay... getting a little preachy there. I'll get off my soapbox now.
[46/x]🧪🎢
Okay... getting a little preachy there. I'll get off my soapbox now.
[46/x]🧪🎢
If our job as profs is to teach students how to think critically and engage in the subject matter of our field, it is our responsibility to help them navigate through these new uncharted waters.
We help form the future generation of thinkers and doers. It is incumbent upon...
[45/x]🧪🎢
We help form the future generation of thinkers and doers. It is incumbent upon...
[45/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
If our job as profs is to teach students how to think critically and engage in the subject matter of our field, it is our responsibility to help them navigate through these new uncharted waters.
We help form the future generation of thinkers and doers. It is incumbent upon...
[45/x]🧪🎢
We help form the future generation of thinkers and doers. It is incumbent upon...
[45/x]🧪🎢
Even if we tried to ban it from our courses, feed all assignments through AI detectors (which are worse than worthless), and fail everyone suspected of using it... we'd still lose.
Beyond creating a HORRIFIC learning environment for our students, we'd be setting them up to fail.
[44/x]🧪🎢
Beyond creating a HORRIFIC learning environment for our students, we'd be setting them up to fail.
[44/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Even if we tried to ban it from our courses, feed all assignments through AI detectors (which are worse than worthless), and fail everyone suspected of using it... we'd still lose.
Beyond creating a HORRIFIC learning environment for our students, we'd be setting them up to fail.
[44/x]🧪🎢
Beyond creating a HORRIFIC learning environment for our students, we'd be setting them up to fail.
[44/x]🧪🎢
4. Bury our heads in the sand and hope it all goes away
As tempting as this one is, it's just not viable.
Like I said at the top, AI has been let loose on the world without any input from you, or me, or anyone else that might think about plagiarism from time to time.
[43/x]🧪🎢
As tempting as this one is, it's just not viable.
Like I said at the top, AI has been let loose on the world without any input from you, or me, or anyone else that might think about plagiarism from time to time.
[43/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
4. Bury our heads in the sand and hope it all goes away
As tempting as this one is, it's just not viable.
Like I said at the top, AI has been let loose on the world without any input from you, or me, or anyone else that might think about plagiarism from time to time.
[43/x]🧪🎢
As tempting as this one is, it's just not viable.
Like I said at the top, AI has been let loose on the world without any input from you, or me, or anyone else that might think about plagiarism from time to time.
[43/x]🧪🎢
... is that they supply an appendix with the entire prompt/output conversation with the GPT. Transparency in scientific communication is a must. Our job, as I've tried to stress to students, is to tell the truth.
Will this work? 🤷🏻♂️
But I'm glad I'm trying.
[42/x]🧪🎢
Will this work? 🤷🏻♂️
But I'm glad I'm trying.
[42/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
... is that they supply an appendix with the entire prompt/output conversation with the GPT. Transparency in scientific communication is a must. Our job, as I've tried to stress to students, is to tell the truth.
Will this work? 🤷🏻♂️
But I'm glad I'm trying.
[42/x]🧪🎢
Will this work? 🤷🏻♂️
But I'm glad I'm trying.
[42/x]🧪🎢
And, yes, I realize they can take the feedback they get here and plug it into a new window prompt of ChatGPT to get the rewritten paper... but again, remember that beginning convo? About reframing learning? About trust?
If they choose to interact with the GPT, all I ask...
[41/x]🧪🎢
If they choose to interact with the GPT, all I ask...
[41/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
And, yes, I realize they can take the feedback they get here and plug it into a new window prompt of ChatGPT to get the rewritten paper... but again, remember that beginning convo? About reframing learning? About trust?
If they choose to interact with the GPT, all I ask...
[41/x]🧪🎢
If they choose to interact with the GPT, all I ask...
[41/x]🧪🎢
I've recently started to allow my students to use AI as a proofreader of their lab reports. I made a quick, little GPT that they can interact with: chatgpt.com/g/g-6734cdaf...
It's not the best, nor is it fool-proof by any means.
[40/x]🧪🎢
It's not the best, nor is it fool-proof by any means.
[40/x]🧪🎢
ChatGPT - Physics Lab Report Proofreader
A GPT to proofread and provide feedback on physics lab reports. (Does NOT rewrite)
chatgpt.com
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I've recently started to allow my students to use AI as a proofreader of their lab reports. I made a quick, little GPT that they can interact with: chatgpt.com/g/g-6734cdaf...
It's not the best, nor is it fool-proof by any means.
[40/x]🧪🎢
It's not the best, nor is it fool-proof by any means.
[40/x]🧪🎢
... students generally look to their professors for examples in how to interact/behave in their field. If we set an example of honestly having a conversation about AI in our field, I think we'll set up the foundation for an ethical future use of AI.
Hopefully...
[39/x]🧪🎢
Hopefully...
[39/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
... students generally look to their professors for examples in how to interact/behave in their field. If we set an example of honestly having a conversation about AI in our field, I think we'll set up the foundation for an ethical future use of AI.
Hopefully...
[39/x]🧪🎢
Hopefully...
[39/x]🧪🎢
At the end of the day, most folks who are going to engage in *ahem* ... AI usage... are going to do so regardless of what's written on the syllabus. So let's at least give them the tools to engage with it in a safe and ethical way.
Regardless of any care-free attitudes...
[38/x]🧪🎢
Regardless of any care-free attitudes...
[38/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
At the end of the day, most folks who are going to engage in *ahem* ... AI usage... are going to do so regardless of what's written on the syllabus. So let's at least give them the tools to engage with it in a safe and ethical way.
Regardless of any care-free attitudes...
[38/x]🧪🎢
Regardless of any care-free attitudes...
[38/x]🧪🎢
We owe it to them to have hard conversations WITH them (as opposed to AT them) about AI and the ethics surrounding it in our fields.
The best analogy I've heard compares our current situation to conversations about abstinence only sex-ed.
🫣
[37/x]🧪🎢
The best analogy I've heard compares our current situation to conversations about abstinence only sex-ed.
🫣
[37/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
We owe it to them to have hard conversations WITH them (as opposed to AT them) about AI and the ethics surrounding it in our fields.
The best analogy I've heard compares our current situation to conversations about abstinence only sex-ed.
🫣
[37/x]🧪🎢
The best analogy I've heard compares our current situation to conversations about abstinence only sex-ed.
🫣
[37/x]🧪🎢
... someday, whereas us profs sit in our ivory towers and wax poetic about our discomfort about AI in our classrooms. They might actually have to use it someday in their position. Not all of our students will re-enter academia to fill our offices...
[36/x]🧪🎢
[36/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
... someday, whereas us profs sit in our ivory towers and wax poetic about our discomfort about AI in our classrooms. They might actually have to use it someday in their position. Not all of our students will re-enter academia to fill our offices...
[36/x]🧪🎢
[36/x]🧪🎢
... honest conversations about how AI can and should be used, especially in your course. AI ethics is in its infancy in most academic fields. Involve your students in this discussion. Not only is it important, but it's useful for them. They have to go beyond the classroom...
[35/x]🧪🎢
[35/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
... honest conversations about how AI can and should be used, especially in your course. AI ethics is in its infancy in most academic fields. Involve your students in this discussion. Not only is it important, but it's useful for them. They have to go beyond the classroom...
[35/x]🧪🎢
[35/x]🧪🎢
And yet, he might be on to something! (His and his wife's (Lilach Mollick) work in AI is fantastic. Get his book from your local library!)
Embracing AI doesn't have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Having an open conversation about the use of AI in your course opens the door to...
[34/x]🧪🎢
Embracing AI doesn't have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Having an open conversation about the use of AI in your course opens the door to...
[34/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
And yet, he might be on to something! (His and his wife's (Lilach Mollick) work in AI is fantastic. Get his book from your local library!)
Embracing AI doesn't have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Having an open conversation about the use of AI in your course opens the door to...
[34/x]🧪🎢
Embracing AI doesn't have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Having an open conversation about the use of AI in your course opens the door to...
[34/x]🧪🎢
Moving on...
3. Embracing AI
Some folks (@emollick.bsky.social comes to mind) have completely accepted our new reality and instructed their students to utilize AI at every possible turn in their courses.
This particular example might be the poster-child as opposed to the general case...
[33/x]🧪🎢
3. Embracing AI
Some folks (@emollick.bsky.social comes to mind) have completely accepted our new reality and instructed their students to utilize AI at every possible turn in their courses.
This particular example might be the poster-child as opposed to the general case...
[33/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Moving on...
3. Embracing AI
Some folks (@emollick.bsky.social comes to mind) have completely accepted our new reality and instructed their students to utilize AI at every possible turn in their courses.
This particular example might be the poster-child as opposed to the general case...
[33/x]🧪🎢
3. Embracing AI
Some folks (@emollick.bsky.social comes to mind) have completely accepted our new reality and instructed their students to utilize AI at every possible turn in their courses.
This particular example might be the poster-child as opposed to the general case...
[33/x]🧪🎢
Ironically, of all of the 'resistant' examples, my favorite may be the most susceptible to AI misuse. But, remember that convo we just had about trust & community?
... I have to trust my students at a certain point.
Here are the slides to the presentation: docs.google.com/presentation...
[32/x]🧪🎢
... I have to trust my students at a certain point.
Here are the slides to the presentation: docs.google.com/presentation...
[32/x]🧪🎢
CAT Conference 2024
EMBRACING AI RESPONSIBLY: OPEN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES FOR EQUITABLE, INCLUSIVE LEARNING Kristina M. De Voe (she/her) Courtney Eger (she/her) Temple University Libraries CAT Annual Faculty Conference on...
docs.google.com
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Ironically, of all of the 'resistant' examples, my favorite may be the most susceptible to AI misuse. But, remember that convo we just had about trust & community?
... I have to trust my students at a certain point.
Here are the slides to the presentation: docs.google.com/presentation...
[32/x]🧪🎢
... I have to trust my students at a certain point.
Here are the slides to the presentation: docs.google.com/presentation...
[32/x]🧪🎢
I've tried this in my junior level lab courses for the last three terms and I love it - seemingly, so do the students.
It is A LOT more effort (both as a student and a prof) compared to more typical recipe-style labs, but the results are worth it.
[31/x]🧪🎢
It is A LOT more effort (both as a student and a prof) compared to more typical recipe-style labs, but the results are worth it.
[31/x]🧪🎢
February 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
I've tried this in my junior level lab courses for the last three terms and I love it - seemingly, so do the students.
It is A LOT more effort (both as a student and a prof) compared to more typical recipe-style labs, but the results are worth it.
[31/x]🧪🎢
It is A LOT more effort (both as a student and a prof) compared to more typical recipe-style labs, but the results are worth it.
[31/x]🧪🎢