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KINS 151A: Biomechanics

information literacy • prompts • critical analysis

Reflection on Instructional Change:

One practice from the ACUE Gen AI course that I implemented is "Empowering Students using AI". Previously, as part of our biomechanics lab activities, students were asked to find and understand the definition of 'mid-stance' by diving into scientific literature. Then applying it on data they collected in the lab. This approach, while valuable, focused primarily on developing traditional research skills. To foster a deeper engagement with AI tools and to encourage critical evaluation of information, I modified the assignment. Now, students begin by asking ChatGPT for a definition of 'mid-stance.' After receiving the AI-generated response, they then search for the same term in scientific literature. Finally, they compare the AI's answer with the definitions they find in the literature

Students were not familiar with the use of GenAI and how to write effective prompts. I had to guide them through different iterations and highlight why using more specific prompts leads to better outcomes. Another fundamental aspect is to help student evaluate the responses from AI using their knowledge or looking for reliable sources. Overall, it is a fine balance between letting the students explore and guiding them towards the correct answers.

The learning activityes that most influenced changes you made in my instruction were the following

ACUE Gen AI Course Activities:

- Empowering Students Using AI: Discussion and Reflection
- Teaching with AI-Inclusive and AI-Resistance Learning Experiences: Discussion and Reflection

These course activities were fundamental in helping me design the changes I made to my couse.

Receiving feedback and ideas from my colleagues during the "Observe and Analyze Session" really encouraged me and provided new perspectives in how to implement the changes I wanted. One great idea was for example to have students work in groups while writing prompts for ChatGPT, this way students will work together (students more familiar with GenAI can lead students that are less familiar) and the feedback I provide is to the group as a whole and not to each single student.

Evidence of Instructional Change

evidence of instructional change
Lab Assignment where I ask students to use ChatGPT to find a definition of "mid-stance".	Example of ChatGPT output, where a student points out flaws in the definition and subsequent reply	ACUE badges

Practice and Reflect Teaching and Learning with AI:

AI ACUE course was really helpful in identifying the strengths and possible pitfalls of using AI in my teaching. AI tools can streamline my work, but it's challenging to have students understand how this tool is NOT perfect and how mis-using it (to generate answers for assignments) can actually harm their learning process. I currently use chatGPT to create multiple versions of examples/exercises for my students and review my assignments for clarity.

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus and Schedule

Faculty Bio

faculty bio
	Hello! I am Dr. Taboga (you can call me Dr. T, if you want) and I study biomechanics. What is biomechanics? It’s the study of the structure and motion (that’s where the “mechanics” part comes from) of humans and other animals (that’s where the “bio” part comes from). I used to be a 400 m runner and now I focus on longer distances such as 5k or 10k, so it is not surprising that in my research I mostly focus on running. I was born and raised in Italy, I got my M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the Polytechnic of Milan in 2006, where I also got a postgraduate degree in Innovations in Surgery in 2008. I then received my Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Udine in 2013. During my Ph.D. I spent six months at the Locomotion Lab at the University of Colorado in Boulder, doing research on sprinters with amputation. In 2013, one of the scientists in that lab offered me a Postdoc position to continue that research. I came to Sac State in 2016 as an assistant professor of Kinesiology and Biomechanics, in 2017 I became the director of the Biomechanics Lab and in 2022 I was promoted to associate professor. I was delighted to find a vibrant running community here in Sacramento and this seems like the perfect fit for my career and my interests. I am a curious person, throughout my student career, and now as a researcher, I learned that understanding how things work, how the human body works, is much more rewarding and exciting than just memorizing concepts. I encourage my students to do the same: don’t be afraid to ask questions! I am a first-generation student: if you feel intimidated, overwhelmed, confused... I know exactly how you feel! Come see me after class, come to my office or contact me via email: I'll do my best to help you.

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.