National and global conversations about artificial intelligence have heightened over the past week following an AI researcher's warnings about the risks to humanity posed by efforts to develop AI superintelligence.
These developments highlight the continued complexity instructors and students are navigating as they consider whether and how to use AI tools – and how to engage in classroom conversations across differing viewpoints. For strategies that can help set the groundwork for successful discussions, see CTLM's guide Navigating Classroom Dynamics and Disruptions.
As part of UW–Madison’s Year of AI Readiness and Competency, the AI in Academia Coffee Hour will engage UW–Madison instructors, students, researchers, and staff in a series of discussions around the impact of AI on academia and the challenges and opportunities that it brings. The series serves as an opportunity to gather individual feedback for the ongoing work of the AI Readiness and Competency Working Group. The series starts Oct. 5 – pre-registration is encouraged.
Check out the latest in the AI Showcase
"AI aware" teaching takes many forms at UW–Madison – the AI Showcase highlights innovative approaches from instructors across campus.
New this month:
What do you do when you teach a flipped class with more than 80 hours of video content that needs to be updated?
Brian Mayhew, professor and associate dean in the Wisconsin School of Business, teamed up with the school's Digital Media team to create an AI avatar based on his likeness and voice that could serve as a stand-in, saving days of re-shooting. Read about Mayhew's project
Student Use Survey (Oct. 15):Abdollah Mohammadi, Ph.D. (Physics), surveyed more than 700 students in spring 2026 about how they engage with AI in their physics courses and their perceptions of its benefits and limitations. He’ll share the results, which may surprise you, and we’ll collectively discuss the implications.
Making Space for Instructors' Concerns (Oct. 27):This faculty-facilitated session provides a supportive space for instructors to share concerns about generative AI and explore non-use as an intentional pedagogical choice. You're encouraged to bring specific questions, challenges, or classroom situations for discussion.
What's new on campus
The Center for Humanistic Inquiry into AI & Uncertainty (AI&U), formed in January, offers a variety of ways to stay informed and engaged with its work. Check out their upcoming events, brand-new newsletter, research, and more! The center's faculty director is Jeremy Morris, Ph.D. (Communication Arts), an inaugural member of CTLM's AI Teaching Fellowship.
"Hallucination"is the theme of a year-long series of programming featuring artists and scholars, presented by the Center for Visual Culture and Performance Studies. The series draws on "a phenomenon increasingly on everyone’s brains: AI-driven content that is flagrantly inaccurate, yet asserted with utter certainty." In October, internationally renowned multimedia artist Itziar Barrio will lecture and also host a workshop, "Creative Incoherence, Working With AI."
Spark conversation in your department about AI and teaching
CTLM can help plan and facilitate discussions tailored to your discipline. Contact us
