Garret Arcoraci

Garret Arcoraci_Headshot

I have been teaching at the university for ten years, primarily courses in systems administration, networking, and programming. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll find me enjoying a good board game, a passion that's stuck with me since my student days at RIT, starting in 1999.


1. How do you use AI in your teaching, and what are your favorite resources?
 
I incorporate AI into my teaching as a supplementary resource, emphasizing that it's meant to enhance, not replace, the learning experience. A crucial part of effectively using tools like ChatGPT is knowing which prompts to use; the old adage that you need to ask the right question to get the right answer certainly applies to AI. I also leverage AI to streamline my workflow, using it for tasks like planning lectures, preparing courses, and creating assignments. Over the past year, it has become an invaluable asset.

2. Can you share or describe an example or two of an AI-related assignment?
 
Systems Administration II is a writing-intensive course where students must submit a Literature Review as part of a mini-project. The Literature Review was initially bundled with the mini-project but was later made an individual assignment. Before incorporating generative AI, I provided students with a single paragraph and a link to a resource from Purdue OWL to explain what a Literature Review is. The first set of documents includes the Mini Project Assignment and an explanation of the Literature Review. In the document titled 'Post AI Assignment,' you'll find the revised version. I used ChatGPT to create the assignment's rubric and to evaluate its clarity. Here's the link to Google Drive to review the documents. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HmkyZ6VdB-xxnZ8cXgxhvyNm37BW4sUR?usp=sharing

 3. What do you tell students about using AI?

This is the statement on Generative AI that is used in the syllabus for my System Administration I course. As part of this System Administration class, you are allowed and encouraged to utilize Generative AI tools as a resource for completing assignments and gaining a deeper understanding of the course material. These tools can be invaluable in helping you comprehend complex concepts, solve problems, and develop your skills as a future system administrator. However, it's essential to understand that these resources are not a replacement for your learning and comprehension. Real-world situations often require quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work without external aids. Therefore, to accurately assess your understanding and readiness, all quizzes, exams, and the final practical for this course will be conducted without Internet access. You cannot use Generative AI tools or other online resources during these assessments. The intention behind this approach is to encourage a balance between leveraging modern tools for learning while also ensuring that you are building a solid foundational understanding of the course material. I aim to prepare you for future professional scenarios where you may not always have immediate access to external resources. As always, it's expected that the work you submit will be your own, even when using AI tools to assist with assignments. Please refer to the course's academic honesty policy for more details on the appropriate use of external resources and the expectations for academic integrity.

4. What challenges, if any, have you had with AI in your courses?
 
While AI has been a valuable asset in my courses, it has challenges. One issue is the learning curve of effectively understanding how to use AI tools like ChatGPT. Students sometimes need help formulating the right questions or prompts, which can lead to less-than-useful responses from the AI. Additionally, the challenge of ensuring that AI doesn't become a crutch overshadows critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I've also spent extra time vetting AI-generated content for accuracy before incorporating it into lectures or assignments.

5. How do you think AI has or will impact your domain?
 
Predicting the future is always intriguing. Machine learning algorithms will likely predict system failures and automate routine tasks, allowing administrators to focus on more complex challenges. In programming, I envision AI aiding in code generation and debugging, streamlining the development process. In networking, I see opportunities for AI to optimize traffic flow and enhance security measures. Naturally, this will shift the classroom focus from simply grasping the basics to exploring how AI can be applied in more advanced, real-world scenarios.