Building tomorrow's learning landscape through AI integration and development in higher education

Abstract

Birmingham City University (BCU) has responded proactively to the evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education by creating written guidance and workshops for staff and students. This initiative addresses prevalent concerns surrounding AI in education and is rooted in a sector report assessing the positions of higher education institutions (HEIs) and offering guidance on effective integration of GenAI use in teaching and assessment. Our project carries several impactful aspects, including written guidance and workshops for staff and students, which reflects BCU’s dedication to addressing common concerns surrounding GenAI in education. Furthermore, the multi-agency collaborative approach brings diverse perspectives to the table. The different perspectives enable us to tailor our learner development offer through knowledge of curriculum and assessment in a particular discipline and whether that discipline is more susceptible to GenAI use than others. The insights from learner developers in creating student guidelines ensure the project is attuned to the needs and concerns of the student body, promoting a student-centred approach. This session focused on an institutional take on GenAI through the collaborative development of staff and student guidance at BCU. The presentation outlined the new AI staff and student guidance project and discussed how effective integration of GenAI education has been implemented at BCU. It also noted positive influences of GenAI through our new staff and student workshops which bring together existing and new knowledge around academic integrity and assessment literacy. Finally, it highlighted next steps around AI integration for the Education Development Service at BCU.