Critiquing Generative AI in Technology and Culture

This assignment is by Lisa Messeri and is included on the AI Teaching Examples on the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning website. This assignment was used in an Anthropology course; however, the strategies can be adapted to other disciplines.

Messeri’s assignment explores the use of ChatGPT in analyzing the everyday politics of a technological artifact. Students experiment with generative AI and critically evaluate its limitations and implications on academic work. The task requires students to critically evaluate the accuracy of AI-generated information and reflect on the ethical implications of using such tools in academic work. Through this process, students learn to distinguish between reliable and fabricated sources, enhancing their critical thinking skills and awareness of academic integrity. The assignment fosters a hands-on approach to AI, promoting a deeper understanding of its impact on research and writing.

Key Features of This Assignment

Critical Thinking
This assignment encourages students to think critically about the information provided by AI tools and assess its accuracy.
Academic Integrity
The assignment highlights the importance of verifying sources and avoiding the spread of false information generated by AI.
AI Experimentation
Students are allowed to experiment with ChatGPT, fostering a hands-on understanding of its capabilities and limitations.