#  Teaching in the Age of AI 

 



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       ![students at the Science Center exploring different AI tools](/sites/g/files/omnuum6756/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-01/teaching%20in%20the%20age%20of%20AI%202.jpg?h=0e648160&itok=JfZeBffh) 

 

 



 

 



## What is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to a class of artificial intelligence systems designed to create new content—such as text, images, code, or audio—by recognizing and mimicking patterns in large datasets. One prominent type of generative AI is the large language model (LLM), like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. LLMs are trained on vast collections of text and can produce human-like responses to prompts, but they do not possess understanding or awareness; rather, they generate content by predicting likely word sequences based on their training data.

Recognizing the capabilities and limitations of generative AI is essential as we consider how these tools can be thoughtfully integrated into university teaching and learning.

## How Does Generative AI Impact Teaching and Learning?

Generative AI is increasingly shaping higher education, offering new opportunities while introducing important challenges. Recent studies highlight benefits such as enhanced student learning outcomes and support for skill development ([Kestin et al., 2025](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97652-6)). However, research also points to concerns, including potential reductions in students’ cognitive engagement—especially if learners rely too heavily on AI-generated content in writing tasks ([Kosmyna et al., 2025](https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/your-brain-on-chatgpt/overview/)). These findings underscore the importance of carefully aligning the use of AI tools with specific learning goals, ensuring that their integration genuinely supports the intended outcomes of each course.

## Getting Started

The first steps in working with generative AI in your teaching are deciding how it fits into your course design and how you will communicate those decisions to students. [Designing Courses and Assignments in the Age of AI](/courses-and-assignments-in-age-of-ai "Designing Courses & Assignments in the Age of AI") helps you evaluate assignment formats, adapt them for AI resilience, and incorporate AI into the learning process where it adds value. [Communicating to Students about Generative AI](/ai-literacy-and-ethics "AI Literacy & Ethics") supports you in developing clear policies, encouraging responsible use, and addressing key ethical questions. [Getting Started with Harvard AI Tools](/getting-started-huit-supported-ai-tools "Getting Started with HUIT-Supported AI Tools") outlines the supported platforms where you can safely test and refine AI activities. Starting here will help you establish a consistent, transparent approach from the outset.

## Next Steps

With your course approach, communication plan, and AI toolkit in place, you can begin exploring how to apply AI in practice. The [Examples and Ideas](/examples-and-ideas-for-using-AI-for-your-teaching "Examples & Ideas for Using AI for Your Teaching") page showcases specific uses of AI to explore as you brainstorm for your own course. These resources offer both the technical starting points and practical models to guide planning and implementation. If you’d like to join a community of practice devoted to teaching and learning with AI, please visit our Events page for upcoming opportunities. If you’re interested in designing novel assignments or AI-integrated classroom activities, we invite you to connect with the [Learning Lab](mailto:learninglab@fas.harvard.edu). Our team is available to consult, collaborate, and support you as you experiment with innovative approaches to teaching and learning with AI.