The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence (CATE) hosts an AI Tinkering and Teaching session on March 18, 2026, from 2-3 PM at the Teaching Excellence Building. This participant-driven, hands-on session is designed for instructors who want to understand AI capabilities, consider how students may be using these tools, and develop strategies that directly support student learning.
Participants explore free and UIC-supported generative AI tools in a collaborative environment, talking with colleagues about AI applications in their courses and developing practical materials they can immediately apply. Each session begins with optional teaching-related design prompts and inspiration, followed by dedicated exploration and collaboration time.
The format encourages trying new ideas, asking questions, and sharing discoveries with peers. Expected outcomes include building confidence to use generative AI tools equitably and ethically, collaborating with peers to share ideas and feedback, and developing nuanced understanding of when to prioritize human-centric interaction versus leveraging AI to enhance student learning and engagement. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops and relevant course materials such as syllabi or assignment overviews.[citation:9]