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CSC138: Computer Network Fundamentals

Discover, Resposible,Ethical

Reflection on Instructional Change:

One practice I implemented from the ACUE Gen AI course is the technique of "Empowering Use of AI Responsibly." I conducted a class where I asked students to verify the accuracy of AI-generated answers by cross-referencing them with credible sources. This exercise was designed to help students critically evaluate AI outputs rather than relying on them blindly. I believe it is crucial for students to develop this skill, as it fosters critical thinking and ensures a deeper understanding of the content. Additionally, this practice reinforced the importance of academic integrity by discouraging plagiarism and encouraging original work.

Additionally, implementing the practice of "Empowering Use of AI Responsibly" had a positive impact on both my teaching and student learning. By encouraging students to verify AI-generated answers, I noticed a shift in their approach to using tools like ChatGPT. Some students refrained from directly relying on AI-generated responses and instead started critically evaluating the information provided. This not only improved their understanding of the content but also highlighted the potential issues with blindly trusting AI outputs. One student remarked, “I realized how often the answers seem correct but are incomplete or misleading unless you analyze them further.” This practice fostered critical thinking, increased student engagement, and motivated them to approach AI tools as a support mechanism rather than a substitute for learning.

The course on "Leveraging AI to Develop Course Resources" was particularly helpful in shaping my instructional approach, especially through the opportunities for reflection and discussion it provided. Engaging in conversations with peers about the potential and limitations of generative AI helped me better understand its role in education. For instance, while AI can be highly effective for generating accessible resources like assignment instructions and discussion prompts, reflections revealed its shortcomings for addressing complex programming problems or conceptual models. Hearing diverse perspectives from others emphasized the importance of balancing AI's capabilities with the need for human insight and critical thinking.

The "Observe and Analyze" session was incredibly valuable, as it provided thoughtful feedback on how to phrase questions more clearly—an essential skill when working with tools like ChatGPT to generate prompts. This insight helped me recognize the importance of precision in communication, both in crafting AI prompts and in classroom interactions. Additionally, the session encouraged me to explore other platforms like Gemini Copilot to diversify my approach and enhance the resources available for teaching.

Evidence of Instructional Change

evidence of instructional change
Gen-AI Assignment Screenshot	Student Work	Completed all four courses on Generative AI from ACUE

Practice and Reflect Teaching and Learning with AI:

All of the ACUE courses are very helpful in enhancing teaching practices and fostering better student engagement. The course on writing effective prompts has been particularly beneficial, as it helped me craft tailored announcements for my classes, ensuring clear and relevant communication with students. Additionally, using generative AI to develop syllabus components, such as assignment descriptions and grading policies, has streamlined the preparation process and made course materials more accessible and precise. Another important takeaway is the emphasis on limiting over-reliance on AI tools, which encourages students to engage more critically with the material and build analytical skills. A key practice I incorporated was teaching students the responsible use of AI, requiring them to evaluate the reliability of AI-generated outputs from chatGPT and reflect on their applications. These lessons have greatly influenced my teaching, and I plan to apply them more in future courses.

Course Syllabus: CSC138-SYLLABUS.pdf

Faculty Bio : Dr. Syed Badruddoja

I am an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department at California State University, Sacramento. I teach computer networks, computer security, operating systems, and blockchain. My research focuses on computer security and blockchain technologies, emphasizing securing AI systems, enhancing blockchain scalability, and advancing trustworthy computing.

Funding
	This work was supported by: US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution Project TECH4Equity US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution Project STEM4Equity P031C210012 *Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the US Department of Education.