Join USC’s Center for Excellence in Teaching for the Faculty Showcase on AI in Teaching and Learning for an afternoon of discovery, dialogue, and practical inspiration. This event brings together innovative educators from across USC to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping what and how we teach. From building AI literacy and fostering critical skepticism, to leveraging cognitive research, navigating copyright, and experimenting with creative new tools, the Showcase offers something for everyone—faculty, graduate students, and staff alike. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this is a chance to connect with colleagues, gain fresh insights, and take away practical ideas for using AI thoughtfully and effectively in your own teaching and learning contexts.

2:00 pm
Clarisa Martinez, Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Building AI Literacy for What’s Next
The imperative for ‘AI literacy’ in higher education is clear, but the rapidly evolving technological landscape makes AI literacy challenging to define. This presentation provides a structured approach to this challenge. We outline a curriculum that addresses a foundational understanding of AI and machine learning principles; a critical evaluation of the benefits and pitfalls of common AI tools; and practical, ethical considerations for adopting emerging technologies, including AI, into students’ current education and future professional roles.

2:15 pm
Benjamin Hall, USC Libraries
A Skeptic’s Guide to AI
Developing informed skepticism in an era of widespread AI adoption requires careful examination of fundamental assumptions about artificial intelligence. This presentation highlights perspectives for cultivating critical awareness of AI’s increasing role in society. It outlines several pillars, including understanding the alignment problem and how AI systems can appear to meet objectives while undermining human values; protecting epistemic security as AI increasingly mediates our access to knowledge and truth verification; recognizing anthropomorphic design strategies that encourage problematic trust relationships with AI systems; and offering practical strategies for educators to foster critical thinking about AI technologies while empowering students to navigate an AI-saturated information landscape.

2:30 pm
Helena Seli, Rossier School of Education
When AI Helps or Hurts Learning: A Cognitive and Self-Regulation Research Perspective
AI tools promise to revolutionize learning. As educators, we must be able to determine when AI is a helpful tool and when it becomes a substitute for learning. This presentation explores how insights from cognitive science and self-regulation research can inform decisions about when to encourage students to use AI and when to limit its use in order to support cognitive engagement and self-regulation, both critical for meaningful learning. 

2:45 pm
The Center for Excellence in Teaching (CET)
AI at USC: CET Support, Events, and Faculty Engagement
Discover how the Center for Excellence in Teaching (CET) is supporting USC faculty in exploring, implementing, and critically engaging with AI in the classroom. This session highlights upcoming CET events, workshops, and resources designed to foster ethical, creative, and effective uses of AI in teaching and learning. 

3:00 pm
Marco Papa, Viterbi Computer Science
From GPTs to Brightspace: Fast, Reliable Quiz Generation
Discover how a custom GPT workflow can turn lecture slides into polished, Brightspace-ready quizzes in minutes. This talk shows a practical, rule-driven pipeline that automates Word and CSV quiz generation that preserves structure, randomization, and import fidelity while eliminating hours of manual cleanup. Built and proven in CSCI 201 and 571, the same blueprint can streamline assessment design in any discipline.

3:15 pm
Bridgid Fennell and Benjamin Hall, USC Libraries
Copyright and AI
Navigating copyright law in the age of AI presents complex challenges for researchers and educators. This presentation provides essential background on the legal and library perspectives when engaging copyrighted material with AI. It highlights key considerations such as understanding fair use rights and limitations when uploading licensed or copyrighted material into AI tools, the unsettled legal landscape surrounding AI, and emerging discussions shaping responsible AI adoption in academic settings.

3:30 pm
Steve Child, Iovine and Young Academy
New Tools and Techniques using AI in Design
We’re in the midst of one of the most exciting shifts design has seen in over a decade. Artificial intelligence is changing how designers think, create, and bring ideas to life. From concept generation to rapid prototyping, new AI tools are expanding what’s possible and redefining the creative process. How are designers adapting? What new opportunities—and challenges—does AI introduce? This session explores the emerging patterns, methods, and mindsets shaping the next era of design innovation.

3:45 pm
Katherine Brichacek, Viterbi Engineering in Society
Draftback: A Site Of Discussion On Integrity And Writing 
Advances in generative AI writing tools make it easier and more tempting for students to outsource their learning and writing processes. As educators, it’s our responsibility to maximize learning opportunities and potential. When it comes to written assignments, Draftback has proved a valuable tool to encourage students to productively struggle to learn through the iterative messiness of the writing process. This presentation provides an overview of the Draftback Chrome extension, its use in a writing class, and the frank discussions held with students about its role in tracking their keystrokes in Google Docs.

The event will be recorded and posted to the CET Website.