Publication Date
Spring 4-16-2025
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
Jack C. Massey College of Business
Department
Honors Program
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Amanda Nelms
SPARK Session
Poster/Gallery presentation
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
Abstract
The development of widely accessible generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has significantly impacted higher education. Professors and students alike now have the capability to synthesize information from across the whole internet in seconds, which gives rise to new methods of learning, teaching, and cheating. Through this project, we will form policy recommendations regarding both student use of and faculty instruction on generative AI at Belmont, with the goal of creating a more equitable and effective learning environment. The ways in which Belmont University chooses to handle this development will significantly impact the quality and equity of instruction and learning available
Methods
Throughout the project there will be three major components that will create the final deliverable policy recommendations. The first component is gaining an understanding of current industry use-cases of generative AI within different industries, which will be accomplished through further research on industry trends with generative AI. This will allow us to more directly tailor our recommendations to the industries most connected with the courses we seek to guide policy for. The second component is gaining an understanding of Belmont University’s student population’s understanding and usage of generative AI tools within the classroom setting, which will be accomplished through surveys. Surveys allow for quicker responses and results when compared to other methods like interviews, and will allow us to gain input from students across the entirety of Belmont University within the allotted time of this semester. The survey format also makes quantifying data much simpler through the use of likert scales, which will lead to easier data analysis. The third component is gaining an understanding of Belmont University’s faculty population’s understanding of usage of generative AI tools within the classroom setting, which will also be accomplished through surveys.
Conclusion
While there are a number of technical and ethical issues surrounding the use of generative AI, the technology cannot simply be ignored. We believe that, by crafting thoughtful and effective policies regarding the use of AI, Belmont University has the ability to limit issues like cheating, while also helping students develop valuable technical skills that will be extremely valuable as AI tools continue to develop.
Recommended Citation
Logan, Stiles and Jones, Wyatt, "Exploring and Improving Generative AI Usage at Belmont University" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 272.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/272
