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AI in Practice: First Light Assignments Demonstration

by | Oct 12, 2026 | AI, Assessment, Blog

 

Dr. Tiffany Newsome, Assistant Professor at Western Carolina University, and Dr. John Nash, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, invite faculty and staff to participate in a pilot of First Light, an educational software tool that uses artificial intelligence to review and rate assignments. The tool provides suggested revisions to improve the “AI resistance” of assignments. No submission of student work required.

Drs. Newsome and Nash will lead a hybrid 30-minute demonstration on Thursday, November 5, 9:00-9:30 am in HL 156 (Coulter Faculty Commons conference room) and on zoom (click to join). Faculty and staff from all units are welcome, and anyone who wants to join the pilot can sign up at the session. You can try the tool at FirstLightAssignments.com. 

(Still) Teaching with AI – Six Professional Development Opportunities

by | Sep 29, 2026 | AI, Blog, Faculty Development Workshop

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has unarguably made its way into our classrooms and has affected our teaching on a multitude of levels. We also experience certain emotions on the topic of GenAI on a personal level, either positive, negative, or a complicated mix of both. AI is here to stay (for better or for worse) and we need to continue to ask ourselves how we want to adapt our teaching, research, and personal behaviors in response. We therefore want to highlight a few upcoming opportunities for you to continue to engage with this (seemingly never-ending) topic, all different in focus and scope: 

1. Community of Practice (offered and facilitated here at WCU) 

2. Resisting the Use of AI in Education: Taking a Stand for Our Students and Our Colleagues (watch external webinar on your own or join in-person watch party followed by a discussion) 

3. Evaluating AI Information for Reliability (WCU hybrid workshop)

4. Teaching & Learning with AI (asynchronous 4-week Canvas course) 

5. Western North Carolina AI Educators’ Exchange (daylong conference at Mars Hill University)

6. UNC System Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Faculty Learning Community (virtual FLC)


* Find detailed descriptions of each professional development opportunity further below.

AI Community of Practice flyer, sponsored by IT, Coulter Faculty Commons, and Hunter Library.
Banner with text Teaching and Learning with AI

Register

If any of these offerings speak to you, we invite you to register. Find detailed descriptions of each professional development opportunity further below.

Session Descriptions

AI Community of Practice  

Whether you’re an AI novice or a more advanced user, the AI Community of Practice is a place to learn, share, and connect with colleagues across WCU. 

Led by IT, Coulter Faculty Commons, and Hunter Library, this friendly community brings together faculty and staff to explore real-world applications of AI for teaching, learning, research, and workplace productivity. Each session features practical examples for all experience levels, from simple everyday uses to more complex ideas. 

Resisting the Use of AI in Education: Taking a Stand for Our Students and Our Colleagues – Watch Party

The CFC is hosting a watch party for a webinar facilitated by Joshua Eyler (University of Mississippi), Kevin Gannon (Queens University), Catherine Denial (University of Minnesota-Rochester), and Liz Norell (University of Mississippi). We will watch their webinar together and discuss our reactions right after. If you’d rather watch the webinar on your own and skip the discussion, register for the Resisting the Use of AI in Education webinar.  

Webinar description: Among the many voices nudging instructors and administrators toward an acceptance, or even a warm embrace, of generative AI, most of the opposition focuses on questions of academic integrity. But there are many more reasons to be skeptical of AI and its potential impact on learning, teaching, and well-being. In this panel discussion, four experts on pedagogy in higher education share research and reporting about the negative impacts of AI in education. Grounded in evidence and motivated by a shared commitment to humanistic values, this panel will make the case for prioritizing the relationships and care that we know power student learning. 

Evaluating AI Information for Reliability

This session, facilitated by Meredith Saba, acknowledges the value of the (trained) human eye when working with new technologies, such as AI, to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable, and can therefore be used for some purpose/application (to make decisions, solve problems, etc.) without issue. The goal of the session is for participants to learn how to critically evaluate GenAI outputs to determine if the information can be trusted and used reliably, while enhancing our overall thinking skills.

Upcoming asynchronous 4-week Canvas course “Teaching & Learning with AI”

While searching for resources of existing course content that we could share with you, we were struggling to find asynchronous courses that checked all the boxes we were attempting to check. We therefore decided to slightly change the model of what some of you might have already experienced when you completed other asynchronous trainings offered by the Coulter Faculty Commons, such as the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) or the EoT (Excellence in Online Teaching) course. We decided to curate a learning experience for you that exposes you to a variety of different sources that will help you decide what’s right for you. We are attempting to stay away from prescriptive recommendations that either might not be a right fit for your teaching context or might not align with your personal philosophy on how to integrate AI into your teaching.  

What you will find in this course then is an “AI syllabus” of readings and resources around three areas, followed by invitations of personal reflection to help you develop a path forward that is right for you. We invite you to also engage in discussions with your peers since we know that the combination of reviewing information, personal reflection, and discussion of ideas helps us solidify learning and growth.

Western North Carolina AI Educators’ Exchange

Western Carolina University is co-sponsoring the Western North Carolina AI Educator’s Exchange on November 13, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Educators from across Western North Carolina will meet at Mars Hill University to share what they’re doing with AI and decide what comes next. Seats are free but are limited to 15 per institution. You can register for a seat and enter the promo code WCUWX26. For carpooling, contact Jonathan Wade at jdwade@wcu.edu. 

UNC System Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Faculty Learning Community 

During the 2026-27 academic year, the UNC System is supporting the Generative AI in Teaching and Learning Faculty Learning Community (FLC). This FLC is an interdisciplinary initiative open to faculty members, librarians, and instructional professionals across the UNC System. This community focuses on exploring and leveraging Generative AI in Teaching and Learning. Through collaborative discussions, webinars, and hands-on activities, participants will discuss ways to responsibly use Generative AI technologies in their teaching so that AI technology enhances the learning experience while also mitigating the potential negative consequences. The FLC will be facilitated by a faculty members with experience in Generative AI in an educational context who will guide participants through the discussions and practical application activities. To learn more and apply, visit the Generative AI in Teaching and Learning FLC site. 

Join the AI Community of Practice

by | Aug 28, 2026 | AI, Blog, Learning Community

Whether you’re an AI novice or a more advanced user, the AI Community of Practice is a place to learn, share, and connect with colleagues across WCU.

Led by IT, Coulter Faculty Commons, and Hunter Library, this friendly community brings together faculty and staff to explore real-world applications of AI for teaching, learning, research, and workplace productivity. Each session features practical examples for all experience levels, from simple everyday uses to more complex ideas.

AI Community of Practice flyer, sponsored by IT, Coulter Faculty Commons, and Hunter Library.

Meetings include peer-led demonstrations, informal discussions, and opportunities to share your experiences, ask questions, and help shape WCU’s ongoing approach to AI. All are welcome!  Just bring your curiosity (and your lunch!).

Fall 2026 Sessions

  • October 8 | Noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • November 10 | Noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • December 2 | Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Complete the quick interest form to receive calendar invitations and updates about future sessions!

Start the Semester with an AI Conversation

by | Jul 30, 2026 | AI, Blog, Student Success, Teaching & Learning Tip

Coulter Faculty Commons' Teaching & Learning Tip
Canvas Course of a module with the name "AI Course Ethics Module"; Old fashioned typewriter with a piece of paper displaying "AI Ethics".

August Teaching & Learning Tip

Wondering how to start a conversation about AI with your students this semester? You don’t have to open that conversation cold. The Coulter Faculty Commons has created a ready-to-import Canvas module designed to help students think critically about using AI ethically in their coursework and to give instructors an easy way to set clear expectations from day one. 

The module contains: 

  • Content built around one goal: helping students understand why ethical AI use matters, not just what the rules are
  • Pre-built, customizable content to create a Course AI Ethics Agreement. You can adapt the pages, activities, or framing to match your own course policies and teaching style
  • Step-by-step instructions and guidance   

Whether your policy is “AI-free,” “AI-assisted,” or somewhere in between, this module gives you a flexible starting point to communicate it clearly and to help students engage with the why behind it. 

 Ready to get the conversation started? Import the module into your Canvas course and review the unpublished instructor pages to begin. Reach out to the CFC with any questions…we’re happy to help you tailor it to your course. 

For step-by-step instructions, review Importing a Resource from Canvas Commons.  

UNC System Resource for Instructors: Foundational Generative AI Literacy and Responsible Use Course

by | Jul 29, 2026 | AI, Blog, Teaching with Technology

The UNC System has created a Foundational Generative AI Literacy and Responsible Use Course. The purpose of this course is to assist students in developing critical understanding, evaluation, and use of generative AI. The course is intended as an optional and flexible resource that faculty may adopt, adapt, and customize to meet their needs. 

The University of North Carolina System logo

The UNC System has created a Foundational Generative AI Literacy and Responsible Use Course. The purpose of this course is to assist students in developing critical understanding, evaluation, and use of generative AI. The course is intended as an optional and flexible resource that faculty may adopt, adapt, and customize to meet their needs. Outcomes include: 

  1. Learners will explain what generative AI (Gen AI) tools are and how they work.
  2. Learners will identify the benefits and challenges of using Gen AI in various academic, professional, and creative settings.
  3. Learners will critically evaluate Gen AI outputs for errors and biases. 
  4. Learners will demonstrate Gen AI literacy skills responsibly in a range of academic, professional, and creative settings. 

If you are interested in reviewing the course’s modules and/or incorporating all or parts of the resource in your course, please reach out to the CFC via email cfc@wcu.edu. 

Exploring GenAI Learning Series @WCU

by | Jan 24, 2026 | AI, Assessment, Blog, Educational Development, Faculty Development Workshop

Faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to participate in a new AI-focused professional learning series that explores how generative AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and everyday work in higher education. This collaborative series is being offered by Coulter Faculty Commons, Hunter Library, and IT.

The series features three sessions, including From Detection to Design: Rethinking Assignments with GenAI in Mind, Everyday GenAI at Work: Boosting Efficiency with Microsoft Copilot, and Evaluating AI Information for Reliability. Together, these workshops provide practical strategies, shared language, and campus-informed perspectives to help participants thoughtfully engage with AI tools while supporting effective pedagogy, responsible use, and institutional goals. 

From Detection to Design: Rethinking Assignments with GenAI in Mind

Friday, February 6 | 11:15 am – 12:45 pm 

In this workshop, instructors will explore how and why structural changes to assignments are essential in the age of generative AI (GenAI). Drawing on current research, the session emphasizes designing assessments that promote learning, integrity, and student engagement rather than attempting to “AI‑proof” coursework. 

Everyday GenAI at Work: Boosting Efficiency with Microsoft Copilot 

Friday, March 20 | 10:00 – 11:30 am

Discover how Microsoft Copilot can transform your daily workflow. This session will explore practical ways to integrate AI into routine tasks—drafting documents, summarizing content, analyzing data, and more. Learn tips and best practices to streamline processes, save time, and enhance productivity using Microsoft Copilot. Perfect for anyone looking to work smarter, not harder.

Evaluating AI Information for Reliability

Friday, April 17 | 1:00 – 2:00 pm

This session acknowledges the value of the (trained) human eye when working with new technologies, such as AI, to ensure that the information is accurate and reliable, and can therefore be used for some purpose/application (to make decisions, solve problems, etc.) without issue. The goal of the session is for participants to learn how to critically evaluate GenAI outputs to determine if the information can be trusted and used reliably, while enhancing our overall thinking skills. 

Register for AI Learning Series Session(s)