Exploring Generative AI across the UT System

In 2024, UTSA Academic Innovation worked with our peers across the system to host a gathering of teaching and learning experts from across UT institutions about how artificial intelligence was transforming teaching, learning and student success. The three-day event sparked an important conversation – one that we wanted to continue.  

Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, faculty development professionals from across the University of Texas System united to support innovating with AI Across the UT System—a groundbreaking webinar series exploring how generative AI is transforming teaching and learning. 

“AI Across the UT System represents the kind of collaboration and innovation we strive for in public higher education. By creating space for open dialogue and shared learning, our institutions are leading the way in responsible, forward-thinking AI adoption in teaching and learning. Our students are the beneficiaries.”

Rebecca Karoff, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, The University of Texas System

Artificial Intelligence Mini-Conference Series

What started as a shared interest quickly evolved into a vibrant community of practice, uniting nine institutions and nearly 1,000 attendees across Texas. Faculty, instructional designers, and academic leaders engaged monthly to exchange ideas, showcase campus innovations, and examine the rapidly evolving role of AI in education. 

At UTSA, we believe in the power of collaborative learning and innovation. Helping to build this community of practice has been a privilege, and it's inspiring to see our collective efforts shaping the future of education in the age of AI.

2024-2025 UT System Teaching & Learning Webinars

Exploring AI through a Student as a Partner Model 

Hosted by UT Austin | April 10, 2025 | Watch on Panopto  

Key topics included: 

• Students as Partners initiative at UT Austin. 
• Collaborative projects involving faculty and students to explore AI applications. 
• Challenges and strategies for ethical AI use and maintaining academic integrity.   

Best practices shared include: 

• Collaborative Learning: Engage students and faculty in partnership to co-design courses, assessments, and instructional approaches, ensuring a plurality of voices and shared ownership of the learning experience. 
• Effective Prompt Design: Develop detailed and specific prompts to guide AI tools in generating useful and relevant outputs, enhancing the quality of AI-generated content. 
• Ethical Use and Reflection: Encourage responsible use of AI tools and continuous reflection on their impact, ensuring that students understand the ethical implications and maintain academic integrity.

Teaching with AI Learning Community (TALC) 

Hosted by UT El Paso and UT | March 13, 2025 | Watch on Panopto  

Key topics included: 

• Institutional initiatives and task forces for AI integration. 
• Faculty and student engagement with AI tools and resources. 
• Challenges and strategies for maintaining academic integrity and ethical AI use.   

Best practices shared include: 

• Faculty Development: Offer comprehensive training and resources to help faculty integrate AI into their teaching practices effectively and ethically. 
• Collaborative Projects: Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and grant-funded projects to explore innovative uses of AI in various academic disciplines. 
• Clear Communication: Develop and communicate clear policies on AI use, including guidelines for ethical practices and academic integrity. 

Transformative Journeys: Faculty Development for Advancing Generative  

Hosted by UT Dallas | February 13, 2025 | Watch on Panopto  

Key topics included: 

• Campus-wide initiatives and policies for AI integration. 
• Faculty and student perspectives on AI use in education. 
• Challenges and opportunities in adopting AI tools and maintaining academic integrity. 

Best practices shared include: 

• Collaborative Approach: Engage faculty, staff, and students in discussions and working groups to explore AI applications and address concerns collectively. 
• Clear Guidelines: Develop and communicate clear policies on AI use, emphasizing academic freedom while ensuring ethical practices. 
• Positive Vision: Promote a positive and forward-thinking vision for AI integration, highlighting its potential to enhance learning and innovation.   

AI Integration in Courses of Innovation

Hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University, UT System | December 5, 2024 | Watch on Panopto 

Key topics included: 

• Intentional integration of AI into the classroom to enhance student learning and prepare them for the workforce. 
• Faculty experiences and innovative approaches to using AI in various courses. 
• Ethical considerations and best practices for using AI in education. 

Best practices shared include: 

• Intentional Integration: Focus on integrating AI into the classroom in a deliberate and thoughtful manner, ensuring it aligns with learning objectives and enhances student engagement. 
• Ethical Use: Teach students to use AI responsibly and ethically, emphasizing the importance of transparency and critical thinking. 
• Prompt Engineering: Develop detailed and specific prompts to guide AI tools in generating useful and relevant outputs, improving the quality of AI-generated content.   

AI-Powered Education: Innovative Teaching Strategies to El 

UT Arlington | November 7, 2024 | Watch on Panopto 

Key topics included: 

• Development of guidelines for responsible and effective use of AI in education. 
• Innovative teaching practices using AI, shared through a collaborative Pressbook project. 
• Practical applications of AI in various disciplines, including nursing, education, business, and marketing. 

Best practices shared include: 

• Prompt Engineering: Develop detailed and specific prompts to guide AI tools in generating useful and relevant outputs. This enhances the quality and applicability of AI-generated content. 
• Ethical Use and Evaluation: Incorporate ethical considerations and evaluation standards into AI-generated outputs to ensure accuracy and integrity in educational settings. 
• Collaborative Learning: Engage faculty and students in collaborative projects and discussions to explore innovative uses of AI and share best practices across disciplines. 

Student Stories: Studying and Socializing with AI 

Hosted by UT Rio Grande Valley | October 10, 2024 | Watch on Panopto 

Key topics included: 

• Student experiences with AI in academic, personal, and professional settings. 
• Ethical considerations and challenges in using AI. 
• Faculty strategies for integrating AI into teaching practices. 

Best practices shared include: 

• Constructive Questioning: Encourage students to ask AI tools for guidance rather than direct answers. This promotes deeper learning and critical thinking. 
• Ethical Use: Teach students to use AI to enhance their own work rather than replace it. Emphasize the importance of maintaining academic integrity. 
• Iterative Learning: Use AI tools to provide step-by-step guidance and feedback, allowing students to learn incrementally and verify their understanding.   

Student Guidelines for Using AI 

Hosted by UTSA | September 12, 2024 | Watch on Panopto  

Key topics included: 

• Empowering students through engagement with generative AI. 
• Faculty and student collaboration in exploring AI tools. 
• Development of guidelines and resources for effective AI use in classrooms.   

Best practices shared include: 

• Embrace the Unknown: Encourage exploration and experimentation with AI without predefined expectations. This approach fosters creativity and innovation. 
• Promote Student Agency: Allow students to take ownership of their learning by using AI tools to enhance their educational experience. 
• Iterate Intentionally: Continuously refine and update guidelines and resources based on feedback and evolving needs.