Integrating AI in Higher Ed: Enhancing Spanish Linguistics with Custom GPTs
- published: 2025/02/24
- contact: UNO Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI)
- email: innovate@unomaha.edu
Bringing clarity, offering support, and increasing comprehension.
That’s what Cecilia Tocaimaza-Hatch, associate professor and department chair, did for her Structure of Spanish students in the first round of the Open AI Challenge.
Cecilia submitted a proposal for a custom GPT that would help students better comprehend Spanish readings by using plain language. She was motivated to implement artificial intelligence in her course curriculum at some level, saying, “I feel it is my responsibility to help students learn how to use this new technology to prepare them for future employment.”
This custom GPT needed to be able to support students in upper-level courses, so it was built to:
- Provide plain-language explanations of difficult linguistic concepts (i.e. word categorizations and functions in the deep analysis of sentences)
- Guide students through questions so it prompts them to engage the content deeper, fostering overall comprehension
- Be an additional source of support for students, one that is available to them 24/7
Motivated to keep learning in her own practice, Cecilia felt excited at the opportunity to implement new technology in her classroom. “I’ve enjoyed learning from Digital Learning to do lots of things… and this was the next thing to learn in order to keep growing,” she said. Implementing this custom GPT felt less intimidating due to the partnership with the AI Learning Lab team.
“Cassie Mallette [Program Manager for the AI Learning Lab] is available to help out and meet people wherever they are,” Cecilia said. “She is very generous with her time and her expertise.” The Division of Innovative Learning Centric-Initiatives offers workshops and one-on-one consultations for those interested in how they can integrate artificial intelligence into their work.
Click here to see what’s new from the AI Learning Lab, or discover how you can participate in the next round of the OpenAI Challenge.
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.