Session 1 - Thursday, January 29th, 2026 | 12:15 - 1:15pm
Generative AI tools are ubiquitous in higher education.
Concerns about plagiarism and academic dishonesty have dominated faculty discussions. However, focusing solely on detection overlooks a deeper need, which is equipping students with critical AI literacy.
This presentation argues that academic integrity in the age of AI depends on teaching students to understand, evaluate, and ethically use AI-generated content. We will explore practical strategies for integrating AI literacy into coursework, including activities that promote transparency, critical evaluation of AI outputs, and process-based assessment. By being proactive instead of reactive, faculty can foster responsible AI use.
Michelle Kaschak, Penn State Lehigh Valley
This presentation is led by Michelle Kaschak, Associate Teaching Professor of English
Michelle Kaschak is an Associate Teaching Professor of English with extensive experience in teaching and curriculum innovation. She primarily teaches English composition and humanities-focused general education courses, including a popular class on children’s picture books. Michelle has also co-taught interdisciplinary courses with faculty from Biology, Information Sciences and Technology, and Physics, fostering collaborative learning across domains.
She is a recipient of both a Service Award and an Innovative Teaching Award, recognizing her commitment to student success and creative pedagogy. Currently completing a doctoral degree in education, Michelle’s research explores the impact of artificial intelligence on college writing classrooms, with a focus on trust, assessment practices, and the evolving role of AI in higher education.