| Course Subject: | Doctoral Seminar |
| Student Level: | Graduate |
| Number of Students: | 20 students |
| Developed by: | Lead: Daniel Serig, Assistant Teaching Professor, Graduate School of Education, College of Professional Studies Collaborator: Chris Unger, Teaching Professor, Graduate School of Education, College of Professional Studies |
What Students Did
Students conducted a structured literature review guided by a 12-step process that integrated AI tools to enhance efficiency and quality. They had the choice to use platforms like Research Rabbit, Elicit, or Scite.ai to identify key articles, map connections, and uncover relevant themes. They also had the option to leverage AI to organize findings and synthesize information into a coherent narrative.
Purpose
The purpose was to help students synthesize information into a cohesive narrative that contextualizes their research while presenting well-supported arguments in a literature review. AI tools were offered as an option to enhance efficiency, aid in discovering connections, and improve the quality of the work.
Assessment
The assessment was focused on adherence to academic writing standards, including clear flow, effective transitions, and the ability to create scholarly conversations that connected significant works and ideas. While the use of AI tools was not formally assessed, the instructor informally learned about students’ use of AI tools through zoom sessions in which students dropped in and shared their experiences with the tools.
Faculty Reflections
Many of my students initially fear AI, thinking it might be cheating. But once I show them how it works and explain that it is not cheating, they often react with astonishment, with statements like: “I didn’t know it could do that!” It is clear to me that everyone needs to embrace this technology. However, I’ve also learned that not all students and faculty are early adopters. It is important to acknowledge the apprehensions and create space for both faculty and students to engage with AI at their own pace. I recommend starting with AI as an optional tool.
Step-by-Step Directions
| Step 1 | View provided videos and other information to familiarize yourself with AI tools available for literature review and writing assistance. |
| Step 2 | Begin using AI tools like Scite.ai or Litmaps to identify relevant sources for your research topic. |
| Step 3 | Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, or Perplexity to collaborate on creating an outline for the literature review, discuss counterarguments, and organize and develop your narrative. |
| Step 4 | Reach out to your peers or use AI tools to get feedback on your writing. The use of AI tools is optional. Share your draft and ask for suggestions, improvements, or guidance on how to enhance your work. |
| Step 5 | Once you have incorporated peer feedback into your draft, upload it to the AI tool of your choice, along with the criteria description, and ask AI to review the draft based on the criteria. |
Related Materials
- How to Use AI in R4 Assignments
- Literature Review Rubric
- EdD Faculty Statement on Generative AI Use
- Video on Ways to Use AI for Literature Review
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