Session: 11.1.2 - Advances in Fluids Engineering Education II

Paper Number: 158741

158741 - Ai in Engineering Education and the New Reality for Academic Honesty and Grading 

Abstract: 

With the advances in AI, its use in engineering education is inevitable. Since AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude AI, are relatively easily accessible it is not unreasonable to consider that students may use them with or without permission from their instructors. Forbidding the use of AI may have undesirable implications – for example, leaving students unprepared for successfully using AI tools in their careers. Since proving use of AI as of now is rather challenging, disallowing AI tools may be too challenging to enforce and may put students who follow academic honesty policies at a disadvantage compared to students who resort to using them. On the other hand, allowing the use of AI in classes comes with its own challenges. Identifying fair and efficient grading strategies and minimizing the risk of students over-relying on AI are among the issues instructors may face in choosing to incorporate AI in engineering education. Whether AI is allowed or not in classes, instructors can leverage this technology in their work.

In the present paper, the author discusses their experience in using AI in the classroom. The ability of AI to solve problems in Thermodynamics, Thermal Systems, and Experimental Measurements and Data Analysis are discussed. The implementation of AI in these classes is discussed together with student feedback and faculty observations. The implementation of a minimal academic honesty policy, and alternative grading approaches is discussed as well. Also presented are lessons learned, successes and challenges, and ideas for future modifications of the use of AI in the classroom.

Presenting Author: Ivaylo Nedyalkov University of New Hampshire

Presenting Author Biography: