For the Innovator
For the Innovator workshops support faculty experimenting with new ideas, tools, and approaches to teaching and research. Topics include emerging technologies, generative AI, creative pedagogies, and innovative practices, with a strong focus on meaningful application in ECU contexts.
Additional resources:
- For additional AI resources visit the Artificial Intelligence at ECU website.
- If you would like to share any AI-related stories, resources, and use cases, complete the web form on the AI website.
Fall 2026 Workshops
| Date/Time | Session Title | Description | Registration Survey | Meeting Link / Recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 24, 2026 11:00-12:00 | Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 1 - Understanding Generative AI | Navigating AI is a mini course in Canvas that all incoming students to ECU will have the opportunity to take during (or before) the Fall 2026 semester. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the first module of that mini-course (Understanding Generative AI) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to leverage the content for courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 1 - Understanding Generative AI | Join Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 1 - Understanding Generative AI |
| August 27, 2026 1:00-2:00 | Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 2 - Engaging Generative AI Responsibly | Navigating AI is a mini course in Canvas that all incoming students to ECU will have the opportunity to take during (or before) the Fall 2026 semester. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the second module of that course (Engaging Generative AI Responsibly) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to leverage the content for courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 2 - Engaging Generative AI Responsibly | Join Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 2 - Engaging Generative AI Responsibly |
| August 27, 2026 3:00-3:45 | Designing Assignments for Visible, Human Thinking | As generative AI becomes increasingly accessible to students, writing assignments that emphasize surface-level correctness or final products are easier than ever to outsource. This workshop explores practical strategies for (re)designing writing assignments so that human thinking (interpretation, judgment, inquiry, and reflection) remains central and visible. Participants will learn how to shift assignments toward lived experience, inquiry-based writing processes, rhetorical decision-making, and documented revision practices that make student reasoning assessable. Through examples and guided reflection, faculty will leave with concrete approaches for designing writing tasks that cultivate intellectual engagement, encourage authentic student voice, and support meaningful learning in the age of AI. Facilitated by Kerri Flinchbaugh | Register for Designing Assignments for Visible, Human Thinking | Join Designing Assignments for Visible, Human Thinking |
| September 1, 2026 9:00-10:00 | Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 3 - Evaluating Generative AI Critically | Navigating AI is a mini course in Canvas that all incoming students to ECU will have the opportunity to take during (or before) the Fall 2026 semester. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the third module of that course (Evaluating Generative AI Critically) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to leverage the content for courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 3 - Evaluating Generative AI Critically | Join Navigating AI Mini Course - Module 3 - Evaluating Generative AI Critically |
| September 3, 2026 3:00-4:00 | Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 1 - Explore AI in Your Field | Charting a Path in Your Field is a mini-course in Canvas that will be available for faculty to leverage in classes that target seniors and upper-level students during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the first module of that mini-course (Explore AI in Your Field) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to integrate the content into courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 1 - Explore AI in Your Field | Join Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 1 - Explore AI in Your Field |
| September 9, 2026 9:00-10:00 | Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 2 - Ethics, Risks, and Responsibility | Charting a Path in Your Field is a mini-course in Canvas that will be available for faculty to leverage in classes that target seniors and upper-level students during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the second module of that mini-course (Ethics, Risks, and Responsibility) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to integrate the content into courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 2 - Ethics, Risks, and Responsibility | Join Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 2 - Ethics, Risks, and Responsibility |
| September 10, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: When Help Becomes Dependence (Emotional & Cognitive Reliance) | This session explores how students use AI for reassurance, idea generation, and feedback, and when that support begins to replace independent thinking. Through a realistic case study, faculty will examine how to design learning experiences that preserve confidence and cognitive growth. Faculty will leave with a ready-to-use student case study assignment, detailed administration guidance, and a grading rubric (including a peer-review option). Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: When Help Becomes Dependence (Emotional & Cognitive Reliance) | Join AI Case Study: When Help Becomes Dependence (Emotional & Cognitive Reliance) |
| September 14, 2026 1:00-2:00 | Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 3 - Strategic AI for Professionals | Charting a Path in Your Field is a mini-course in Canvas that will be available for faculty to leverage in classes that target seniors and upper-level students during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. The presenter for this session will introduce participants to the third module of that mini-course (Strategic AI for Professionals) and facilitate a round-table discussion about possible strategies faculty can use to integrate the content into courses in their discipline. Facilitated by Michelle Eble | Register for Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 3 - Strategic AI for Professionals | Join Charting a Path in Your Field - Module 3 - Strategic AI for Professionals |
| September 17, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Whose Work Is It? (Academic Integrity in the Gray Zone) | This session challenges traditional definitions of academic integrity by examining AI-assisted work that falls within policy, but outside authentic authorship. Faculty will leave with a ready-to-use student case study assignment, administration guidance, and grading rubric to clarify expectations around AI-supported work. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Whose Work Is It? (Academic Integrity in the Gray Zone) | Join AI Case Study: Whose Work Is It? (Academic Integrity in the Gray Zone) |
| September 23, 2026 3:00-4:00 | AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (9.23.26) | Generative AI tools are rapidly changing how students approach writing. Rather than focusing on detection or prohibition, this workshop explores how instructors across disciplines can adapt writing assignments to keep thinking, inquiry, and disciplinary reasoning at the center of student work. Participants will consider how these technologies are reshaping the role of writing in college courses. Through examples and discussion, we will explore practical strategies to encourage authentic engagement and support meaningful learning. Faculty will leave with concrete ideas for rethinking writing tasks, guiding responsible AI use, and helping students develop their own voices as writers and thinkers in their disciplines. Facilitated by Will Banks | Register for AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (9.23.26) | Join AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (9.23.26) |
| October 1, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: The Hidden Cost of Convenience (Environmental & Ethical Impact) | This session examines the environmental and ethical implications of AI use, helping faculty integrate broader AI literacy into coursework. Faculty will receive a ready-to-use student case study assignment, administration guidance, and grading rubric. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: The Hidden Cost of Convenience (Environmental & Ethical Impact) | Join AI Case Study: The Hidden Cost of Convenience (Environmental & Ethical Impact) |
| October 12, 2026 12:30-1:00 | Teaching in the Age of AI: Maintaining Learning and Authentic Work | AI tools are changing how students approach their work. This session explores practical ways to design assignments and learning experiences that encourage authentic thinking while acknowledging the realities of AI use. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for Teaching in the Age of AI: Maintaining Learning and Authentic Work | Join Teaching in the Age of AI: Maintaining Learning and Authentic Work |
| October 15, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Shortcut Today, Struggle Tomorrow? (Professional Readiness & Skill Development) | This session explores how AI-supported work can sometimes mask gaps in skill development, raising important questions about long-term student preparedness. Through a realistic case study, faculty will examine how course design can either reinforce or erode essential skills needed beyond graduation. Faculty will leave with a ready-to-use student case study assignment, detailed administration guidance, and a grading rubric to help students connect AI use to their future professional performance. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Shortcut Today, Struggle Tomorrow? (Professional Readiness & Skill Development) | Join AI Case Study: Shortcut Today, Struggle Tomorrow? (Professional Readiness & Skill Development) |
| October 15, 2026 1:00-3:00 | Fundamentals of Machine Learning | “Machine learning is the subset of artificial intelligence (AI) focused on algorithms that can “learn” the patterns of training data and, subsequently, make accurate inferences about new data.” This workshop will introduce the main concepts of machine learning and use one example to show how to train the data and predict new data. Python will be used in the workshop. Facilitated by Hui Bian | Register for Fundamentals of Machine Learning | Join Fundamentals of Machine Learning |
| October 20, 2026 10:00-10:30 | Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (10.20.26) | This session provides a tutorial on PIVOT-RP and how to use the platform to find funding opportunities, save and track search queries and utilize the platform to best support your research interests. Facilitated by Jamie Bloss | Register for Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (10.20.26) | Join Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (10.20.26) |
| October 22, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Who Has the Edge? (Access & AI Use Expectations) | This session explores how differences in access to AI tools and familiarity with their use can shape how students approach assignments. Through a case study, faculty will examine how course design and expectations may unintentionally influence student outcomes. Faculty will receive a ready-to-use student assignment, implementation guidance, and a grading rubric to support thoughtful and effective AI use. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Who Has the Edge? (Access & AI Use Expectations) | Join AI Case Study: Who Has the Edge? (Access & AI Use Expectations) |
| October 29, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Did You Actually Read My Work? (Faculty Use of AI) | This session examines how faculty use of AI tools for feedback, grading, and content creation shapes student perceptions of fairness and authenticity. Faculty will receive a ready-to-use student assignment, administration guidance, and grading rubric. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Did You Actually Read My Work? (Faculty Use of AI) | Join AI Case Study: Did You Actually Read My Work? (Faculty Use of AI) |
| October 29, 2026 1:00-3:00 | Machine learning: K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) | KNN is one of machine learning algorisms. We can use KNN to solve two problems: classification and prediction. This workshop will introduce the concepts of KNN and use examples to show how to train a KNN model and make predictions. R will be used in the workshop. Facilitated by Hui Bian | Register for Machine learning: K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) | Join Machine learning: K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) |
| November 10, 2026 2:00-3:00 | Journal Policies and Ethics for using AI in Research | Using AI in research is a growing topic of interest across most disciplines. But how do the journals you want to submit to allow AI to be used? How should you disclose AI use in your article? Can you use AI for peer review? Learn about journal policies, ethical considerations, and other things you might want to know before you use AI in your scholarly works. Facilitated by Allison Kaefring | Register for Journal Policies and Ethics for using AI in Research | Join Journal Policies and Ethics for using AI in Research |
| November 11, 2026 11:00-11:30 | Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (11.11.26) | This session provides a tutorial on PIVOT-RP and how to use the platform to find funding opportunities, save and track search queries and utilize the platform to best support your research interests. Facilitated by Jeanne Hoover | Register for Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (11.11.26) | Join Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (11.11.26) |
| November 12, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Sounds Right…But Is It? (Overconfidence & Misinformation) | This session explores how AI-generated content can appear highly confident while containing subtle inaccuracies and how this affects student learning. Faculty will receive a ready-to-use student case study assignment, administration guidance, and grading rubric. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Sounds Right…But Is It? (Overconfidence & Misinformation) | Join AI Case Study: Sounds Right…But Is It? (Overconfidence & Misinformation) |
| November 19, 2026 11:00-11:30 | AI Case Study: Convenient…But at What Cost? (Data Privacy & Intellectual Property) | This session examines the risks associated with sharing personal, academic, or professional information with AI tools, including data privacy and intellectual property concerns. Faculty will receive a ready-to-use student case study assignment, administration guidance, and grading rubric. Facilitated by Tori Jackson | Register for AI Case Study: Convenient…But at What Cost? (Data Privacy & Intellectual Property) | Join AI Case Study: Convenient…But at What Cost? (Data Privacy & Intellectual Property) |
Spring 2027 Workshops
| Date/Time | Session Title | Description | Registration Survey | Meeting Link / Recording |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 21, 2027 1:00-1:30 | Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (1.21.27) | This session provides a tutorial on PIVOT-RP and how to use the platform to find funding opportunities, save and track search queries and utilize the platform to best support your research interests. Facilitated by Jeanne Hoover | Register for Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (1.21.27) | Join Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (1.21.27) |
| January 27, 2027 3:00-4:00 | AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (1.27.27) | Generative AI tools are rapidly changing how students approach writing. Rather than focusing on detection or prohibition, this workshop explores how instructors across disciplines can adapt writing assignments to keep thinking, inquiry, and disciplinary reasoning at the center of student work. Participants will consider how these technologies are reshaping the role of writing in college courses. Through examples and discussion, we will explore practical strategies to encourage authentic engagement and support meaningful learning. Faculty will leave with concrete ideas for rethinking writing tasks, guiding responsible AI use, and helping students develop their own voices as writers and thinkers in their disciplines. Facilitated by Will Banks | Register for AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (1.27.27) | Join AI & Student Writing: Supporting Voice, Inquiry, & Learning (1.27.27) |
| February 16, 2027 10:00-10:30 | Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (2.16.27) | This session provides a tutorial on PIVOT-RP and how to use the platform to find funding opportunities, save and track search queries and utilize the platform to best support your research interests. Facilitated by Allison Kaefring | Register for Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (2.16.27) | Join Finding Funding Opportunities using PIVOT-RP (2.16.27) |
*(DE) This session is aligned with the ECU Distance Education Continuing Education Requirement
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ECU’s ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu
Link to archived Teaching and Research with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshops