2024-2025 faculty Learning communitIES

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the UNC System is supporting the following Faculty Learning Communities (FLC):

  • Generative AI in Teaching and Learning: This FLC will focus on exploring and leveraging Generative AI in Teaching and Learning. Participants will discuss ways to integrate and/or restrict Generative AI technologies in their teaching so that AI technology enhances the learning experience while also mitigating the potential negative consequences. Fall 2024-Spring 2025.
  • Open Pedagogy and AI: This FLC will explore generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools through the lens of open pedagogy, critically examining how AI can be thoughtfully integrated to enhance user-centered education and facilitate knowledge exchange. By the end of the cohort, participants will have developed a written AI policy tailored for a specific course to be offered in the 2025/2026 academic year and/or an assignment that engages students with AI from an open perspective. Participants will also build a valuable network of fellow advocates for open pedagogy. Spring 2025.

What is an FLC?

A Faculty Learning Community (FLC) is a form of professional development that brings together cross-disciplinary groups of professors, librarians, and instructional professionals to engage over a period of time in an active and collaborative program focused on building a sense of community and enhancing teaching and learning.

How Does It Work?

The FLCs are peer-led by faculty and instructional professionals across the system. There are regular synchronous or asynchronous discussions over the academic year and participants are encouraged and supported in exploring and applying the concepts and tools under consideration.

Key Benefits

  • Professional Growth: Participants will gain valuable insights into timely topics and key strategies in teaching and learning.
  • Collaborative Learning: Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas with colleagues from various campuses and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative and enriching learning experience.
  • Practical Implementation: Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to apply concepts to their teaching practice and will be supported in developing one or more learning activities or teaching resources.

For More Information and to Apply

For more information about each FLC, including an application to participate, please see details below.

Open Pedagogy and AI (Spring 2025 only)

Overview

The Open Education and AI FLC is a program where faculty and librarians from across the UNC System will explore generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools through the lens of open pedagogy, critically examining how AI can be thoughtfully integrated to enhance user-centered education and facilitate knowledge exchange. By the end of the cohort, participants will have developed a written AI policy tailored for a specific course to be offered in the 2025/2026 academic year and/or an assignment that engages students with AI from an open perspective. Participants will also build a valuable network of fellow advocates for open pedagogy.

Who is it for?

This program is ideal for participants who have an interest in or foundational knowledge of open pedagogy and are eager to explore how AI can enhance their teaching practices. It’s particularly suited for those who have not yet integrated AI into their courses but are curious about its potential to support collaborative, innovative and inclusive learning environments.

  • Participants must have a faculty appointment at a UNC System institution.
  • Participants are expected to attend all virtual sessions. Meetings lasting 60 minutes will take place beginning the week of March 17, 2025.
  • Participants should be interested in exploring both open pedagogy and generative AI.
  • Participants must be prepared to develop and pilot new syllabus language regarding AI and a new course assignment that supports engagement with these tools.

What is the time commitment?

The program runs over six weeks, running through to the end of the spring 2025 semester. There are readings in addition to the 60 minute synchronous meetings. We recommend an average commitment of 90 minutes per week.

Additional FAQs

Additional information about this FLC is available here.

Facilitators (Spring 2025)

  • Jeanne Hoover, Head, Scholarly Communication, East Carolina University
  • Jacqueline Solis, Director, Research and Instructional Services, University Libraries, UNC Chapel Hill
  • Sam Winemiller, Open Knowledge & Research Impact Librarian, UNCW Library
  • Jeff McAdams, Science and Engineering Librarian, UNC Charlotte
  • David Tully, Principal Librarian for Student Affordability, NC State University Libraries
  • Katya Mueller, Libraries Fellow, NC State University Libraries
  • Will Cross, Director, Open Knowledge Center & Head of Information Policy, NC State University Libraries

To Apply (deadline to apply Jan. 31)

The deadline has passed for this FLC. Please consider applying for the yearlong FLC (application link above).

Generative AI in Teaching and Learning FLC (Fall 2024-Spring 2025)

Overview

The Generative AI in Teaching and Learning FLC is an interdisciplinary initiative open to faculty members, librarians, and instructional professionals across the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. This community will focus on exploring and leveraging Generative AI in Teaching and Learning. Generative AI refers to the application of artificial intelligence to create content, generate responses, and simulate human-like behavior. Through collaborative discussions, webinars, and hands-on activities, participants will discuss ways to integrate and/or restrict Generative AI technologies in their teaching so that AI technology enhances the learning experience while also mitigating the potential negative consequences. The FLC will be facilitated by a faculty members with experience in Generative AI in an educational context who will guide participants through the discussions and practical application activities.

Who is it for?

This FLC is designed for faculty members, librarians, and instructional professionals from diverse academic disciplines within the UNC System. Whether participants are seasoned tech-savvy educators or just starting to explore the potential of AI in education, this community offers a supportive and inclusive environment for all levels of expertise.

Activities

  • Monthly or Bi-Monthly Discussions: The FLC will hold regular synchronous and asynchronous discussions, including Zoom meetings for those whose schedule allows. Sessions may feature expert guest speakers, interactive workshops, and open discussions centered around Generative AI in teaching and learning.
  • Hands-On Activities: Participants will have the opportunity to engage in practical, hands-on activities that involve exploring various Generative AI tools and platforms, experiment with their applications, and brainstorm creative ways to integrate them into educational contexts.
  • Project Development: Over the course of the program, participants will work on designing and developing one or more learning activities or teaching resources that leverage Generative AI. These projects can be adapted for use in their own classrooms or shared with the wider UNC System community.
  • Online Collaboration and Resource Sharing: Between meetings, participants will have access to an online platform where they can collaborate, share resources, and seek guidance from facilitators and fellow community members.

Facilitators (2024-2025)

Dr. Sarah Egan Warren (Lead Faciliatator), Teaching Assistant Professor, Institute for Advanced Analytics, and DELTA Faculty Fellow, NC State University

Dr. Siobahn Day Grady (Co-Facilitator), Assistant Professor and Program Director of Information Science/Systems at the School of Library and Information Sciences at North Carolina Central University

Dr. Jules Keith-Le (Co-Facilitator), Academic Technology Support Analyst, Office of OneIT, Associate Graduate Faculty, Department of Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Past Facilitators:

FALL 2023: Dr. Mary Lou Maher (UNC Charlotte) and Dr. Sarah Egan Warren (NC State University)

To Apply

Please complete this brief survey to apply to participate in the Generative AI in Teaching and Learning FLC.