Speaking Virtually in Hong Kong on AI and Flipped Classes

 

Using Google NotebookLM to Create Practice Quizzes

 Sent to class:

All - Thanks to a conversation with a fellow student after class... You can create Practice Quizzes with my podcast transcripts loaded into NotebookLM. I provide an example under CONTENT.

https://notebooklm.google.com/

After downloading a transcript and uploading it to LM, go to Quiz -- hit the edit icon and ask for hard questions as well as ask for more questions.

Example: Under what circumstance can a person's right to be anonymous on the internet be legally overridden, according to the podcast?

Four multiple-choice responses to choose from

 

Flipped Activity with GPT: What to do if you get a collections letter or call

Prompt: If I get a debt collection call or letter what things should I ask to make sure the debt is valid

ChatGPT said:

That’s a really good question — and an important one. If you get a debt collection call or letter, you have the right under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to ask for validation of the debt before paying or acknowledging it. Here’s exactly what to ask and do to make sure the debt is valid:

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🧾 1. Ask for Written Validation (Debt Verification Letter)

If a collector calls, do not agree to pay or admit the debt right away. Instead, request written validation of the debt. You can say:

“Please send me written validation of the debt, including the original creditor’s name and details.”

By law, the collector must send a “validation notice” within 5 days of first contact that includes:

• The amount of the debt

• The name of the current creditor

• A statement that you can dispute the debt within 30 days

• Instructions on how to dispute or request the original creditor’s information

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📋 2. Once You Get the Letter, Check for These Details

When you receive the written notice, confirm the following:

✅ The creditor’s name and account number — Does it match any account you recognize?
✅ The amount owed — Is it accurate and does it include suspicious fees or interest?
✅ The date of the last payment — This helps you check if the debt is too old (“time-barred”).
✅ Who currently owns the debt — Some collectors buy old debts that may not even be valid.
✅ Your personal information — Make sure they have your correct name and address (and not someone else’s).

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🕓 3. Ask These Questions (in writing, if possible)

You can send a “debt validation letter” asking things like:

1. What is the name of the original creditor?

2. What is the amount of the debt, and how was it calculated?

3. When was the last payment made?

4. Can you provide a copy of the original contract or agreement?

5. Has the debt been sold or transferred, and if so, to whom and when?

6. Is the debt still within the statute of limitations for collection in my state?

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✉️ 4. If You Dispute the Debt

You have 30 days from receiving the validation notice to dispute it. Do so in writing. After that:

• The collector must stop collection efforts until they verify the debt.

• You can also request that they stop contacting you except to confirm or notify of legal action.

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🚫 5. Red Flags for Scams

Watch out for signs that the “collector” might not be legitimate:

• Refusing to send anything in writing

• Demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest

• Asking for payment by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency

• Refusing to give a company name, address, or phone number

You can also verify a collector’s legitimacy by checking if the company is licensed in your state and looking them up with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or your state attorney general’s office.

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Would you like me to give you a template letter you can send to a debt collector to request validation?

Prompt: Be more specific on what to ask re: Has the debt been sold or transferred, and if so, to whom and when?

ChatGPT said:

Excellent — that’s a smart detail to dig into. When debts get sold or transferred, especially multiple times, records can get messy, and collectors sometimes lack the legal right to collect or don’t have complete documentation.

Here’s exactly what to ask (and why) when you’re confirming the chain of ownership of a debt:

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🧾 Specific Questions to Ask About Whether the Debt Was Sold or Transferred

You can include these in your written debt validation request or ask verbally and follow up in writing:

1. “Who currently owns this debt?”
   → Ask for the legal name and contact information (address, phone number, and website) of the entity that claims ownership — not just the collection agency trying to collect on it.
   (Reason: Sometimes collectors act on behalf of another company that actually owns the debt.)

2. “Was this debt sold, assigned, or otherwise transferred from the original creditor?”
   → Require a written statement confirming whether the debt was sold and when that happened.

3. “If it was sold or transferred, please identify each entity that has owned the debt since the original creditor.”
   → Request a chain of title:

   • Name of each prior owner/assignee

   • Dates of each sale or transfer

   • Documentation (such as bills of sale, assignment letters, or transfer notices)

4. “Please provide documents proving your right to collect this debt.”
   → This should include something showing:

   • The account was included in the sale/assignment

   • The amount owed at the time of transfer

   • Your name and account number as part of that portfolio

5. “Please provide documentation from the original creditor verifying the debt.”
   → This helps confirm the debt originated with you and not due to a clerical or identity mix-up.

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🧩 Why This Matters

Collectors often cannot produce a complete paper trail, especially if the debt changed hands several times. Without proof that they own or are authorized to collect the debt, you have a strong legal basis to dispute it or demand that they stop contacting you.

Under the FDCPA, once you ask for verification:

• They must stop collection until they provide proof.

• If they can’t prove ownership, they can’t legally pursue or report it.

Using ChatGPT to create hypothetical facts for mock mediation

 This took 10 minutes and two prompts

PROMPT 1: create a mock mediation - one side says neighbor won't stop shining high beams into house at night. That neighbor says that the three dogs left out all night will not stop barking

Party A (Homeowner with light issue):

• Statement:
  “My neighbor has been shining their high beams into my windows late at night. It’s disruptive, makes it hard to sleep, and feels like harassment. I’ve asked them to stop, but it continues. I should be able to feel safe and have peace in my own home without being blinded by lights.”

• Interests/Needs:

  • Quiet enjoyment of home at night.

  • Privacy and respect.

  • Sleep without disruption.

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Party B (Neighbor with barking dogs concern):

• Statement:
  “The only reason I flash my headlights is because their three dogs bark all night. I can’t sleep because of the constant noise. It’s been going on for months. I’m frustrated, and the headlights are my way of sending a message. If the dogs were quiet, I wouldn’t feel the need to do it.”

• Interests/Needs:

  • Ability to sleep at night.

  • Reduction in barking.

  • Peaceful neighborhood environment. 

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PROMPT 2:  party A is John. Party B is Jane. There is no HOA. Add confidential facts that they tell mediator not to share with the other side. John is trying to get Jane's attention because he has romantic feelings for her. Jane is trying to sell her house without telling neighbors and the dog barking is scaring off buyers.

Private Caucus (Confidential)

With John (Party A):
John shares privately:

• He does not want Jane to know that his real motivation isn’t just the headlights. He admits he has romantic feelings for Jane and shining the headlights feels to him like she’s “noticing” him back when she reacts.

• He’s embarrassed by this and doesn’t want it disclosed. He worries if Jane finds out, it will “ruin everything.”

With Jane (Party B):
Jane shares privately:

• She has been trying to sell her house quietly and doesn’t want the neighborhood to know.

• The dogs barking at night are a huge problem for her because potential buyers have already been put off by the noise during evening showings.

• She doesn’t want John (or anyone else) to know about the sale until it’s finalized.

Innovative College Teaching now Available at the Fulton County Libraries

Innovative College Teaching

To check the book out:

CLICK HERE 

Exercise to Flip Class: Should you buy extended warranty for new car, used car, new appliances?

 

Sept. 24, 2025 GPT5 Prompt: give clark howard's advice on whether to buy extended warranties for 1- new cars, 2-used cars, and new appliances. Then provide your opinion on whether the advice is right or wrong

 

Clark Howard’s Advice: What He Says & His Principles

From his podcasts, articles, and interviews, Clark Howard’s stance is fairly consistent:

Context	What Clark Says / His Principle
New Cars	Clark is skeptical of extended warranties; he might permit considering one only under limited circumstances, but strongly prefers sticking with manufacturer coverage and having savings for repairs.
Used Cars	His view is largely similar: extra caution with third-party warranties; only buy if you lack the funds to absorb a breakdown and if the vehicle’s make/model and history justify it; lean toward manufacturer/authorized warranty sources if possible.
Appliances / Electronics / Home Warranties	Clark almost always recommends declining extended warranties on appliances and electronics. He considers them a poor financial decision and says they rarely pay off.

 

Nuanced Critique of His Advice (by GPT)

Clark’s advice is sound in many respects, especially as a general guide for most consumers. But as with all “one-size-fits-most” financial advice, there are caveats. Below is where I agree, where I think he overstates things, and when I’d deviate.

What He’s Right About

1. Warranties often favor the seller, not the buyer
   Many extended warranty / service-contract plans have exclusions, limitations, deductibles, or conditions (e.g. requiring dealer service, geographic restrictions) that make it hard to get certain repairs covered. This undercuts their value. Clark’s warning about loopholes is appropriate.
2. The “expected return” is generally negative
   Statistically, many people never use their extended warranty, or use it only for small repairs that don’t recover the full cost paid. Clark says (in one article) that only 8 cents on every dollar spent is “used on repairs” (i.e. you lose 92 cents). Clark Howard While that figure may be an illustrative or rounded claim, it captures the asymmetry: sellers price in margin, risk, administrative overhead, and they expect many buyers won’t file claims.
3. Self-insurance / emergency fund is a better “warranty”
   If you can afford major repair costs (or build a cushion over time), you skip the premium paid to third parties and retain control. For many durable goods/appliances, this is a sensible approach.
4. Manufacturer warranties are more reliable than third-party ones
   If you were going to get extended protection, Clark is right to prefer the automaker’s extended warranty or authorized extension rather than a disconnected third-party plan. He’s cautious of warranties sold by the dealership or third-party services. WSOC TV+1
5. Avoid overpaying at the point-of-sale under pressure
   Dealers and stores often push warranties as add-ons at checkout when consumers are in “buying mode” — a classic upsell. Clark’s repeated advice to decline the warranty offer (or at least slow down and evaluate) is good consumer protection.

Where More Nuance Is Needed

Home warranties and “protection plans” differ from extended warranties
Some home warranty services (covering systems or appliances faults) might have limited use, but in some markets and with proper contracts they can offer peace of mind, especially in older homes. Clark tends to lump all of these under “never buy them,” which may be too blunt. For example, if you’re buying a home with older HVAC, plumbing, etc., a home warranty may provide value (though still often marginal). Clark does allow that sellers may buy a home warranty to reassure potential buyers. Clark Howard+1

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My (GPT) Bottom Line

• For appliances / electronics / home gadgets, I largely agree with Clark: extended warranties are rarely worth it for the average buyer. They often cost more than what one would expect to pay in repairs, especially given limited likelihood of failure within the extended period and contractual restrictions.
• For new cars, I lean toward a cautious “sometimes, but usually no.” I think it’s reasonable to consider an extended warranty under specific conditions (you plan to use the car far beyond its factory warranty, you drive very aggressively or in rough conditions, the car is known to have expensive repair parts, or your savings are limited). But I would not default to buying one; I would instead estimate repair risk, check reliability ratings, and compare warranty cost vs expected repairs.
• For used cars, I'm more skeptical. Because you already lose some “known good period” of the vehicle, warranties become more expensive relative to risk. If the used car is from a reputable brand with good reliability, and you have enough buffer to absorb small to moderate repairs, skipping the warranty is often prudent. If the seller offers a manufacturer-backed or certified used car program warranty, that’s more trustworthy than generic third-party plans.

GSU CETLOE Book Club for Innovative College Teaching

 

I had a great time on Friday! Looking forward to the October and November meetings. 

“The Trailblazers: GSU Faculty Leaders in AI Teaching Innovation," Sept.17

Looking forward to this... 

For our next panelist spotlight, we would like to introduce you to Perry Binder. Perry is part of a panel of four GSU faculty who will share their real-world experiences, challenges, and strategies for integrating AI ethically and effectively into their teaching practice as a part of our new fall series, AI x AI.

Perry Binder, J.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor of Legal Studies at GSU’s Robinson College of Business. While practicing law in South Florida, he got the teaching bug when he taught part-time at Miami Dade College and Broward College. Perry’s latest book, Innovative College Teaching (2024), has a chapter on “Using AI to Enhance Classroom Activities and Student Projects” and offers teaching tips and insights from a dozen current and former GSU master teachers. The book debuted as an Amazon #1 New Release and #1 Best Seller (Teacher & Student Mentoring) and received the International Book Award (Education & Academic category). Each year from 2016-2022, Perry’s book, 99 Motivators for College Success, was sent to hundreds of rising high school seniors nationwide as part of the Book Award Program at Randolph College in Virginia.

Join us for “The Trailblazers: GSU Faculty Leaders in AI Teaching Innovation” virtually on Wednesday, Sept.17 from noon to 1 p.m.For our next panelist spotlight, we would like to introduce you to Perry Binder.

GPT Prompts for Consumer Law & Advocacy class

 First Prompt: consumer question: My apartment complex had 10 cars broken into 3 months ago and 15 cars this month. no security has been added. If my car is broken into tonight do I have have a good lawsuit against the owners of my apartment complex?

Second prompt:  I cannot afford an attorney -- please put into plain English what I can do now and will I have a good lawsuit

GPT response to second prompt

1. Do you have a strong lawsuit?

Maybe, but it’s not a sure thing.

• The apartment owner only has to take “reasonable steps” to keep the property safe.

• If crimes keep happening and they do nothing (no lights, cameras, patrols, notices), a judge might say they failed their duty.

• But the law does not make landlords automatically responsible every time a tenant’s car gets broken into.

So: you might have a case, but it’s hard to win without proof that management knew about the crime problem and ignored it.

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2. What you can do right now (low cost / no lawyer):

• Write to management in email or letter: Tell them you’re concerned about repeated break-ins and ask what steps they will take (lights, cameras, patrols). Keep a copy. This shows they were on notice.

• Document everything: Save police reports, photos, and any messages you get from neighbors about break-ins.

• File a police report if your car is ever broken into. Keep the report.

• Check your renter’s or auto insurance: Often this is the quickest way to get compensated, even if it feels unfair.

• Legal aid: If you can’t afford a lawyer, look up free tenant legal aid groups or housing legal clinics in your area. They often help with exactly these situations.

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3. Bottom line

If your car is broken into:

• You can try to sue, but you’ll need to show the landlord knew there was a serious problem and didn’t act reasonably.

• It’s not guaranteed money, but documenting now will make your case stronger later.

 

Using GPT-5 in “Study Mode”

 

Using GPT-5 in “Study Mode” (August 25, 2025)  Perry Binder

My Prompt: Let's go into study mode so I can learn about comparative negligence in Georgia tort cases

ChatGPT said: Perfect — let’s switch into Study Mode: Comparative Negligence in Georgia Tort Law.

Here’s how I’ll guide you:

1. Quick Explanation – I’ll give you a clear, digestible overview.
2. Breakdown of Rules – Key points and how Georgia applies them.
3. Practice Questions – I’ll quiz you with hypotheticals (active recall).
4. Review + Clarify – We’ll revisit anything that’s fuzzy.

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1. Quick Explanation

In Georgia, comparative negligence is the rule that a plaintiff can still recover damages in a tort case even if they were partially at fault — but only up to a point.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence, 50% bar rule:

• If the plaintiff is less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages, but the award is reduced by their percentage of fault.
• If the plaintiff is 50% or more at fault, they are barred from recovery.

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2. Key Points in Georgia

• Statute: O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33.
• Reduction: Plaintiff’s damages are reduced in proportion to their negligence.
• Bar: At 50% fault or more, plaintiff recovers nothing.
• Jury Role: Typically, juries assign percentages of fault to each party.

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3. Quick Practice Hypothetical

Carla is hit by Dan while crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The jury finds:

• Carla (plaintiff): 30% at fault (jaywalking).
• Dan (defendant): 70% at fault (speeding).
  Damages: $100,000.

👉 Question: How much does Carla recover under Georgia law?

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Do you want to try solving this one, and then I’ll walk through the answer with you?