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Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have impacted higher education significantly over the past year

ChatGPT has sent shockwaves through higher education since its public launch in November 2022. Over the past several months faculty, librarians, and library staff have wrestled with what this means for research moving forward. In this “conversation” we plan to reflect on the past year and how ChatGPT has disrupted higher education and more specifically the libraries that we work in. In this session we plan to discuss our initial feelings about ChatGPT, how we planned to embrace the technology, how that planning played out, and how we can take what we’ve learned over the past year and apply it moving forward. This session will facilitate an engaging conversation with practitioners giving you the tools and confidence to discuss ChatGPT in the classroom.

Not just the details, but the feelings…

When I think about the past year I reflect a lot on the research of Carol Kuhlthau, especially her work in regard to information search process (ISP). In 1993 she developed a six stage model of the human ISP which largely focuses on human feelings. While it doesn’t map out perfectly, I think we can absolutely see parallels between the feelings we have gone through with generative AI over the past year.

This image shows Carol Kulthau's information search process (ISP) and the feelings people encounter in the research process.
Carol Kuhlthau’s model of information search process (ISP) source.

Learning Outcomes

  • Participants will discuss key ways in which ChatGPT has impacted higher education and libraries within academic institutions since its launch in November 2022, including both positive and negative aspects.
  • Participants will engage in discussions about the future of academia in the context of emerging generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, fostering a proactive and adaptive approach to this transformative change.

By the end of the session

  • Attendees will have gained insights into effective strategies for integrating ChatGPT and other generative AI technologies into educational practices within their libraries and institutions, while considering ethical and pedagogical implications.
  • Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to engage in discussions and collaborative efforts within their academic communities to proactively shape the future of academia in the context of emerging generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, fostering a proactive and adaptive approach to this transformative change.

Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). Seeking meaning : a process approach to library and information services (2nd ed.). Libraries Unlimited.