Reflection on Key Concepts (Module 1)

The most important concepts I learned in module 1 are the following:

Generative AI: is a technology that allows us to create new content such as text, images, audio, and other data while mimicking human creativity. An example of this technology is Gemini. To be honest, Gemini has been the greatest discovery for me. Before starting this course, I used to ask Chat GPT absolutely everything, but now Gemini is like my best friend, as I trust the answers it provides immensely. Of course, as we have learned in class, we must verify the sources used by the AI tool we are utilizing. But, in general, Gemini provides me with the best information for planning my classes.

Large Language Models (LLMs): LLMs focus on language generation and understanding. I think this concept was one of the most important for us because, as English teachers, we deal with language all the time. We must understand languages, and this subset of learning can help us solve common linguistic problems we encounter (e.g., text classification, question answering, document summarization).

Prompt: A prompt is a short or elaborate text input that controls the output of an LLM or the information provided by the AI tool we are using. I will keep this concept in mind for the rest of my life, as effective instruction design is crucial to obtaining the desired results. Thanks to this, I now know that the more information I provide to the tool, the better the response I will receive. Before, when I needed AI assistance, I would simply type, "Tell me this information; create this activity," but I didn't include context before asking for what I wanted, so I received answers that didn't fit my needs. Now, I include all the necessary information to help get the best possible answer.

Responsible AI: For AI to benefit us, we must use it ethically to avoid unintended consequences. This set of principles helps us consider the social impact of AI systems and the measures we should take into account when using them to minimize the risks and negative outcomes associated with their use and maximize the positive results.

These concepts challenged my previous conception of English language teaching by demonstrating that AI is not solely a tool for students to complete assignments. I previously believed that AI was primarily for helping learners complete homework or activities. However, all the information provided to us revealed that AI tools, particularly Generative AI and LLMs, can also be very valuable to teachers. I learned that educators can leverage AI to create lesson plans, develop more engaging classroom activities, and assist with tasks such as grading tests.

Finally, I plan to apply these concepts in the classroom through the creation of custom teaching materials such as texts, audio, and exercises, tailored to the level and interests of my students. These materials can be created through the use of the PARTS prompting method so that the results are as expected.