At The University of Texas Permian Basin, innovation is not limited to research labs or technology centers. It is happening inside the classroom.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into everyday life, UTPB professors are exploring ways to use it effectively and ethically to enhance student learning.
How Can AI Be a Classroom Tool?
It’s happened to nearly every college student. You are working late at night and suddenly have a question about the assignment or syllabus. At 2 a.m. you’re probably not going to get an answer from your professor.
UTPB’s Eric Baker found a solution using AI.
In Baker’s class, students used an AI Teaching Assistant built through OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It allowed students to ask questions about course material, due dates, assignment requirements, and grading rubrics at any time. Students could quickly get the information they needed without waiting for an email response.
Baker worked with Clark Moreland, Lecturer of English and Director of the Himmerman Center for Engaged Teaching, who had previously used a similar tool. Using the Custom GPT feature in ChatGPT, Baker uploaded his class notes, presentation slides, and syllabus.
The AI assistant was trained to only pull information from that knowledge base, reducing the risk of false information. Baker also programmed the tool to avoid writing or editing student work, ensuring students were still responsible for completing their own assignments.
Can AI Help Prepare Students for Future Careers?
In UTPB’s College of Business, Dr. Lili Gai, Associate professor, is incorporating AI into her Principles of Marketing class.
Students learn to use AI tools to support market segmentation and targeting exercises, analyze consumer behavior patterns, and generate initial drafts of marketing content such as social media posts and ad copy.
They also work with AI-powered analytics tools to interpret data and make evidence-based marketing recommendations.
Dr. Gai believes this experience helps prepare students for evolving job descriptions as industries increasingly integrate AI into their daily operations.
Why Is Teaching AI Beneficial?
AI continues to evolve rapidly, and employers are looking for graduates who understand how to use these tools responsibly and effectively.
UTPB professors are helping students build those skills before they enter the workforce.
Also, students are already using AI in many ways, sometimes in ways that could hinder learning. Instead of avoiding the technology, UTPB faculty are binging it into the classroom to model responsible and productive use.
Taking the Next Step.
At UTPB, professors are committed to preparing students for the future across all industries.
If you are ready to gain the skills needed for today’s evolving workforce, explore UTPB’s programs and take the next step toward your dream career.
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