Upcoming Events

The Sara Fine Institute hosts programming that focuses on social justice and technology, critical data studies, and the relationships between people and technology. The Institute seeks to foster community, collaboration, and conversation among University of Pittsburgh students, staff, and faculty who are interested in and studying the societal, ethical, and political implications of data and technology.

Spring 2024 Events

In Academic Year 2023-2024, SFI is partnering with the Research, Ethics and Society Initiative (RESI) at the University of Pittsburgh to host a series of events on generative AI, education, and research. These events support hybrid participation in-person or via Zoom.

January 19, 1-2:15pm: Generative AI and Teaching: Uses in Assessment of Learning

As educators consider the implications of tools like ChatGPT on instructional design and student learning, this panel will explore uses in the assessment of learning. Panelists will address research on automated graders, the ways that generative AI is being leveraged for assessment, and the advantages and disadvantage of using generative AI for assessment purposes.

Following the panel session from 2:15-3pm, in-person attendees will be invited to remain for informal discussion about how to connect insights from the panel event to their own teaching and learning. 

Panelists include:

  • Dr. Diane Litman, Associate Dean for Mentoring and Development at the School of Computing and Information and Senior Scientist with the Learning Research and Development Center.
  • Dr. James P. Purdy, Professor of English/Writing Studies and University and Community Writing Center Director at Duquesne University
  • Dr. Annette Vee, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Composition Program
  • Facilitator: Dr. Marcia Rapchak, Teaching Assistant Professor at the School of Computing and Information

Register for online participation using Zoom registration form.

Register for in-person participation through the event page.

 

Generative AI Learning Cohort

As part of the 2023-2024 programming, the SFI and RESI are facilitating a learning cohort with 15 faculty and graduate students on generative AI. 

The objectives for participants in this learning cohort include:

  • Apply insights from programming on generative AI to one’s own teaching and research
  • Workshop teaching and research strategies and ideas with other faculty at Pitt interested in generative AI 
  • Network and connect with an interdisciplinary cohort of Pitt faculty

Past Events in Generative AI, Teaching, and Research Series

Event 1: Generative AI and Pedagogy: Values and Opportunities
Date: Friday, October 27

Panelists: Dr. Annette Vee (Pitt), Chris Millet ( AI, Pedagogy, and Academic Integrity Initiative at Penn State), and Dr. Chad Hershock (Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University)

View Recording

 

Event 2: Generative AI and Research: Policies, Practices, and Ethics in Publishing
Date: Friday, November 10

Panelists: Robin Kear (Liaison Librarian, University of Pittsburgh Library System), Paolo Palmieri, PhD (Associate Professor of History and Philosophy of Science), Bill J. Yates, PhD (Professor of Otolaryngology and Neuroscience, Vice-Chancellor for Research Protections)