A&M-Victoria to host series focused on AI in higher education
Texas A&M University-Victoria is joining other Texas A&M University System member universities and hosting a series that will allow students to learn about how to work with AI correctly and effectively.
During the month of October, the university will host an AI Learnathon. The event will allow students to learn, experiment and build with AI programs. As part of the Learnathon, students will also participate in a systemwide AI Buildathon, using the Superhuman Go AI assistant program offered through Grammarly. To participate in the Buildathon, students must register by Sept. 30. Students can access the online Grow with Google AI Learnathon courses through Coursera. The program is designed for students across all majors and interests.
“I’m excited about the opportunities that both initiatives will give our students,” said Nicole McMonagle, A&M-Victoria Library senior director. “You learn by doing, and this is a great opportunity to help students understand how AI is shaping their education, future careers and the world around them. It also gives them the chance to explore these tools in a hands-on, meaningful way. Just as important, we want students to understand that using AI effectively still requires critical thinking – knowing how to ask the right questions, evaluate the information they receive, and make thoughtful decisions about how and when to use these tools. I’m excited for our students to gain some experience and see how they can apply it to their education and future.”
Throughout October, the initiative will explore weekly themes dealing with AI, its usage and its impact on higher education. From Oct. 1 to 10, the focus will be on Explore AI, and students will get an introduction to how AI is influencing education, society and the professional world, and students will be encouraged to explore tools and campus programs. Oct. 11 to 17’s theme will be “Build AI Capabilities,” and students will focus on developing practical skills that can be used in academic and professional settings. The next week, Oct. 18-24, will be about “Use AI Responsibly,” and will show students how using AI requires critical thinking, creativity, knowledge of the subjects being examined, and ethical judgement. The final week, Oct. 25-31, will focus on “Apply AI,” which will be a chance for students to show how they are putting AI to use, including their Buildathon projects, certificate completions and more.
Students who participate in and complete the Learnathon program will have opportunities to complete AI-focused learning through Coursera, including Grow with Google content and industry-recognized certificates. The goal is to give students opportunities to build practical AI skills while also thinking critically about how AI is shaping their education, future professions, and the world around them, McMonagle said.
Texas A&M University-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the colleges of Business, Education & Health Professions, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Natural & Applied Science. A&M-Victoria provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as online classes that students can take from anywhere. The university supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.