Generative AI is an integral part of students’ everyday learning. In our geology courses, we embrace a role as early adopters, preparing students for a rapidly changing professional landscape by fostering critical thinking, essential geoscience skills, and technological fluency. This approach helps them become more effective geologists both in the field and in data analysis, equipped with the cutting-edge tools they will need throughout their careers.
A case study is the advanced course "The Mediterranean Coast of Israel", which utilizes a Geological Survey of Israel research report as its primary textbook. To help students distinguish central principles from an overload of information and data, we developed a model using AI tools like NotebookLM for initial summaries. Students then critically edit these summaries, add professional terminology, and conduct peer reviews via collaborative Google Docs. This process encourages students to recognize AI limitations while mastering scientific content refinement, improving participation and understanding during field trips.
Furthermore, the upcoming "Geology of the Carmel" course will implement a Project-Based Learning (PBL) assignment focused on real-world applications. Students will work in teams to identify optimal sites for the underground storage of hazardous materials by analyzing lithological, structural, and seismic data. This task will emphasize teamwork, decision-making under uncertainty, and scientific presentation skills.
Looking ahead, we are exploring specialized AI-driven systems for introductory courses such as "Minerals and Rocks". These "smart tutors" provide 24/7 support grounded in course materials, offering immediate formative feedback and reinforcing essential skills from the beginning of the academic journey.
By integrating critical AI usage and applied projects, we empower students as active, reflective learners.