Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Lecture or Presentation
Publication Date
Winter 1-1-2025
Abstract
Building Bridges of Knowledge (BBK) is a cross‑CUNY initiative that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and open educational resources to lower the barrier to primary literature and enhance research‑focused pedagogy. Recognizing that scientific papers are often dense and inaccessible to newcomers, we developed a suite of AI‑assisted instructional materials and activities to help students interpret complex data and methodology. A central component is the use of large language models (LLMs) and tools such as Scite.ai to provide citation‑context analytics and personalized research support. These tools allow students to filter literature by supportive, neutral, or contrasting citation statements and to troubleshoot laboratory protocols, fostering research competencies and critical thinking. To date, the curriculum has been implemented in BIOL 200 (Foundations in Research) at Queens College, in a National Institutes of Health URISE cohort, and has been shared beyond CUNY through a presentation at the 2024 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS) and subsequent keynotes in 2025. Classroom interventions—such as debate‑style activities that encourage students to evaluate evidence—have been piloted across these settings and are being refined for broader adoption. Together, these efforts demonstrate how an AI‑competent classroom can leverage LLM‑based tools to enhance learning and deepen students’ understanding of scientific literature while broadening access for diverse learners.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
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