GenAI: Teaching Ethics & Pedagogy – Two-Day Workshop Experience at Dana Library 

GenAI: Teaching Ethics & Pedagogy – Two-Day Workshop Experience at Dana Library 

On September 15 and 17, 2025, the Dana Library at Rutgers University Newark in partnership with the Institute of Data Research and Innovation Science (IDRIS) hosted a two-day workshop experience titled “GenAI: Teaching Ethics & Pedagogy.” Collaborating with Amanda Clay Powers, associate university librarian for Rutgers University–Newark, the event brought together faculty, students, and librarians to explore how generative artificial intelligence (AI) intersects with ethics, pedagogy, research and professional development. The sessions also connected to statewide conversations on responsible AI, including the 2024 New Jersey Report to the Governor on AI, co-authored by leaders from the state of New Jersey, including Dr. Fay Cobb Payton, IDRIS Executive Director, and Dr.Gregory Porumbescu, Associate Professor of Public Administration and IDRIS Faculty Consultant. 

Day One: Framing AI Literacy and Ethics 

The first session, led by Joe Deodato and Joanne Dera from the Rutgers Research Support Team, emphasized that AI literacy is now inseparable from information literacy. Just as earlier generations of students had to learn responsible engagement with the internet, today’s learners must critically navigate AI technologies. 

Discussions highlighted the ACRL framework for information literacy in higher education and referenced the 2024 New Jersey AI Report to the Governor. Participants reflected on questions such as: 

• What generative AI tools have you used? 

• What ethical considerations around AI worry you the most? 

Responses underscored a wide range of experiences with tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Grammarly, and Perplexity. Ethical concerns focused on data quality, misinformation, deepfakes, and cheating. Presenters explained the foundations of large language models (LLMs), from the datasets they draw on (Reddit, Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook) to issues of bias and knowledge cut-offs. 

The Research Support Team also shared resources on how Rutgers Libraries can assist with data management, evidence synthesis, open access publishing, researcher identity, and AI workflows. 

Day Two: Bias, Tools, and Practical Comparisons 

The second session on September 17 was led by Jonathan Torres, Business and Data Services Librarian. He compared the prompting styles of SciSpace and ChatGPT, underscoring the importance of precision in queries. Torres also walked participants through concepts of hallucination, statistical inference, and the different types of AI bias. 

In addition, attendees explored Rutgers Library databases and platforms already incorporating AI features, with practical demonstrations and resources available via it.rutgers.edu/ai . 

Professional and Pedagogical Relevance 

Across both sessions, a recurring theme was the professional urgency of AI skills. Presenters referenced striking statistics: 

• 77 percent of organizations now designate “AI literacy” as a hiring imperative. 

• 71 percent would hire someone with AI skills but less experience over someone with more experience but no AI skills. 

• 75 percent of professionals already use AI in their daily work. 

Faculty also emphasized that AI in the classroom should be positioned as a resource for learning and growth, not as a shortcut around critical thinking. Students must be equipped not only to generate AI outputs but also to evaluate, monitor, and reflect on them ethically. 

Reflections and Next Steps 

Overall, the workshop provided an engaging space to examine the convergence of generative AI, ethics, and pedagogy. The event also prompted thoughtful takeaways from participants. As one reflection noted: 

“AI is more about literacy—the capacity to critically engage with something—than it is about enthusiasm or fear. It is a powerful digital tool, but it also raises serious questions about integrity, authenticity, and human accountability.” 

The sessions left participants with new insights, teaching strategies, and resources to continue the conversation. As AI becomes more embedded in academic and professional life, initiatives like this workshop ensure that Rutgers University – Newark remains at the forefront of preparing students, educators, and researchers for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.