UK universities have announced they are drawing up a set of guiding principles to ensure that students and staff are AI literate. The news comes as the sector struggles to adapt teaching and assessment methods to deal with the growing use of Generative artificial intelligence.
Vice-chancellors at the 24 Russell Group research-intensive universities have signed up to the code. They say this will help universities to capitalise on the opportunities of AI while simultaneously protecting academic rigour and integrity in higher education. “It’s encouraging to hear that our universities are on the front foot when it comes to setting high standards of teaching and learning around AI,” said Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group.
“With businesses crying out for new hires equipped with the latest tech skills and analytics capabilities, providing students with a fully rounded education and qualifications in this area is critical for building a dynamic workforce, fit for the future ahead.”
John Kirk, Group Deputy CEO at ITG, added: “Having a dedicated plan in place to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning in AI across our universities is a wise move which will ensure the next generation is better equipped to bring additional skills into the workplace.”
While there was talk of banning software like ChatGPT within education to prevent cheating, the guidance said students should be taught to use AI appropriately in their studies, while also making them aware of the risks of plagiarism, bias and inaccuracy in Generative AI. Staff will also have to be trained so they are equipped to help students, many of whom are already using ChatGPT in their assignments. New ways of assessing students are likely to emerge to reduce the risk of cheating.
All 24 Russell Group universities have reviewed their academic conduct policies and guidance to reflect the emergence of Generative AI. The new guidance said: “These policies make it clear to students and staff where the use of Generative AI is inappropriate, and are intended to support them in making informed decisions and to empower them to use these tools appropriately and acknowledge their use where necessary.”
Developed in partnership with experts in AI and education, the principles represent a first step in what promises to be a challenging period of change in higher education as the world is increasingly transformed by AI.
The five guiding principles state that universities will: support both students and staff to become AI literate; staff should be equipped to help students to use Generative AI tools appropriately; the sector will adapt teaching and assessment to incorporate the ‘ethical’ use of AI and ensure equal access to it; universities will ensure academic integrity is upheld; and share best practice as the technology evolves.
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