Workshops
Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs): What Are CUREs and How Can They Be Implemented in the Classroom
Workshop Presentation Anna Hammersmith, Susan Mendoza
We describe intentional inclusion of research projects into the curriculum (Hensel, 2018b). Although Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) by nature are diverse in structure and theme, they are defined as including the following five elements that are reflective of authentic research: 1) engaging students in disciplinary research or creative practices; 2) emphasizing collaboration within disciplinary standards; 3) examining broadly relevant topics; 4) exploring questions with unknown answers to expose students to the discovery process; and 5) integrating iteration into a course, so students can see how disciplinary research or creative practices build upon themselves (Auchincloss et al., 2014). CUREs offer many benefits, including deepening student engagement in learning and increasing knowledge retention. They also serve as a pathway to make undergraduate research experiences more accessible and available to students. This workshop has three central objectives. First, we wdefine CUREs, offering examples of how CUREs appear across diverse disciplines. We facilitate conversation with attendees defining what a CURE might look like within their discipline and on their campus. Second, we provide background information on the benefits of CUREs for students, as well as faculty and institutions, engaging with attendees about the benefits of CUREs that might be unique to their own students, institutions, or professional development for faculty. Finally, we offer practical steps for developing CUREs, allowing time to workshop ideas between the facilitator and attendees.
AI in Education and Training: From Hype to Hands-On Practices
Workshop Presentation Ilona Elefteryja Lasica, Stavros Pitsikalis
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and training, yet many educators struggle to move beyond the hype and effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. This hands-on workshop bridges the gap between theoretical discussions and practical applications, equipping participants with concrete strategies and tools for leveraging AI in educational and training contexts. The session will begin with an exploration of AI’s evolving role in education, addressing both its potential and limitations. Participants will then engage in interactive activities, experimenting with AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT for lesson planning and content creation, Prezi for automated presentations generation, and Grammarly for AI-enhanced writing support. Emphasis will be placed on ethical considerations, including bias, transparency, and responsible AI use in the classroom. Real-world case studies will showcase successful AI applications across different educational settings, from K-12 and higher education to corporate training. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of AI’s pedagogical implications and leave with actionable insights on incorporating AI-driven solutions into their own teaching and training environments. The session is designed for educators, instructional designers, and trainers who seek to enhance their practice with AI while maintaining a critical perspective on its use.
