"

Unit 1 | Generative AI and Its Relevance in Today’s World

Section 1.2: Types of Generative AI

How Faculty Are Using GenAI to Support Students: A Global Perspective

Artificial intelligence for financial analytics and banking. AI, fintech, and machine learning drive investment automation and digital finance optimization on mobile and desktop.

This section introduces inspiring real-world examples from a Global Community of Practice promoted by the University of Texas at San Antonio and Swimburn University of Technology in Melbourne (Australia).

Case Study 1: Using GenAI to Promote Digital Citizenship 

image of Dr. Rita Mitra

Rita Mitra, University of Texas at San Antonio

Mitra teaches cybersecurity and encourages students to use GenAI with transparency and ethical responsibility. 

Her students:

  • Revise AI outputs to reflect their own voice.
  • Use trusted sources to validate AI-generated information.
  • Cite GenAI prompts correctly.
  • Learn about trustworthy AI systems based on national standards like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.

What You Can Learn from This:  You’ll be expected to critically evaluate and reflect on GenAI tools—not just use them. Consider:

  • How is your GenAI use impacting your learning?
  • Are you using GenAI in a way that supports—not replaces—your thinking?

Case Study 2: GenAI as a Creative Partner in Design Projects

image of James Berrett

James Berrett, Swinburne University of Technology

Berrett developed a workflow where students combine basic design sketches with Adobe Firefly (an AI tool) to create immersive media concepts.

Students said that this approach:

  • Boosted their creative confidence.
  • Helped them overcome barriers like poor drawing skills.
  • Sparked ethical questions about which GenAI tools to use.

Student Tip: AI isn’t just for writing! You can use GenAI to create images, brainstorm ideas, or overcome creative blocks in design, art, or even science.

Case Study 3: Research and Reflection with GenAI 

 Dr. Drew Stephen

Drew Stephen, University of Texas at San Antonio 

In a music research class, students:

  • Complete an assignment using traditional methods. 
  • Then use GenAI to help organize and visualize their ideas (e.g., concept maps, hypotheses).
  • Reflect on the process in a follow-up assignment.
  • Complete a microcredential in prompt engineering.

 

Want to Know More?

Open book glows with digital data. Artificial intelligence processes info from unstructured text. Tech extracts data, from docs. AI in doc analysis. Innovation in info tech. Modern tech in libraries.

Read other use cases by faculty across the world. Visit the Global AI CoP: International Case Studies document.

 


Media Attributions

  • Artificial intelligence for financial analytics and banking. AI, fintech, and machine learning drive investment automation and digital finance optimization on mobile and desktop.

License

AI Essentials for Higher Ed Students Copyright © 2025 by The University of Texas at San Antonio. All Rights Reserved.