EEE 141: Power System Analysis I

AI-Based Conceptual Questions, AI-Based Podcast, AI-Based Problem Solving

Reflection on Instructional Change:

I used AI to create conceptual questions for my students and would give them quizzes using these AI-generated questions at the beginning of each class. These questions helped test their understanding of key concepts from previous lessons. By using AI tools like ChatGPT, I was able to provide varied and engaging content, offering students immediate feedback on their responses.

Since I gave my students 10% extra credit for these in-class activities, participation significantly increased compared to previous semesters. Students seemed to enjoy the questions and often asked for clarification, engaging in discussions about the answers. This active participation allowed me to identify areas where students needed more support.

In the “ACUE Gen AI Course Activities,” two activities were especially useful. The first, “Leveraging AI to Develop Course Resources,” taught me how to use ChatGPT to create course materials like conceptual questions. Recently, I have also used NotebookLM to generate podcast-like content, simulating discussions between two people about a chapter topic. The second activity, “Writing Effective Prompts,” improved my communication with students, helping me write clearer and more concise emails using well-structured prompts.

During my "Observe and Analyze Session" activity with colleagues, I asked students to input a problem into ChatGPT to solve it. While demonstrating how to use ChatGPT, I cautioned students about its limitations, since that particular problem was not solved correctly by ChatGPT. My colleagues suggested I assign a task where students analyze how to properly prompt ChatGPT to guide it toward correct solutions, helping them better understand AI tools.

Evidence of Instructional Change

EEE 141, Power System Analysis I
Ask ChatGPT to solve this problem!	Screenshot of the ChatGPT Solution Provided by a Student	Empower Students with AI!

Practice and Reflect Teaching and Learning with AI:

The AI ACUE course has significantly influenced my teaching practices by introducing new opportunities to enhance student engagement and improve instructional efficiency. Integrating AI tools has allowed me to create dynamic, conceptual questions for quizzes and course content, which has led to increased student participation and deeper discussions. However, the integration of AI also presents challenges, particularly in ensuring that students critically evaluate AI-generated responses and remain cautious of potential inaccuracies. One AI tool I've incorporated is ChatGPT, which I use to generate conceptual questions for in-class activities. This has not only facilitated active learning but also provided students with immediate feedback, promoting a more interactive classroom environment. The challenge remains in helping students navigate AI's limitations while maximizing its potential to reinforce learning.

Course Syllabus

EEE 141-Fall24-v3.pdf

Faculty Bio

faculty bio
	Hi everyone! I'm Dr. Zarghami, but feel free to call me Mahyar. I’m a professor in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department here at Sacramento State. When I’m not teaching or researching, you can find me exploring the latest in power systems, electric vehicles, and all things techy. Outside of the classroom, I’ve worked with companies like ABB and collaborated on projects that involve everything from wind farms to smart grids. I’m passionate about helping you all connect theory with real-world tech – and having some fun along the way! Looking forward to an exciting semester together!

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.