Beyond ChatGPT – Navigating Alternative Models
March 6, 2026 @ 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
While ChatGPT has captured the headlines, the generative AI landscape is vast and rapidly evolving. This session moves past the familiar to navigate alternative AI models and specialized tools that can influence your teaching and research. We’ll demystify concepts like Large Language Models (LLMs) and emerging “OMNI” models, exploring how different platforms—like Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and even local AI models—can be leveraged for advanced research, video summarization, and handwriting recognition. Additionally, we’ll look at the next generation of AI assistants and agents. The session will also dive into the critical benefits and pitfalls of AI in accessibility, from text-to-speech that enables differentiated learning paths to the nuances of voice recognition. Discover how this new suite of technologies can foster integrative learning and help students make novel connections across the curriculum. Finally, we’ll address the challenge of how to adapt your course policies for a world with a diverse range of AI tools.