In December we brought together our HE community for a face to face event, kindly hosted by the University of London at Senate House. We had over 100 attendees attend to explore AI’s impact in higher education and had a brilliant day networking, sharing insights, and discovering innovative practices. This blog will give an overview of the fantastic sessions delivered throughout the day.
To begin
AI: End of Year Review 2024
Michael opened the event with a presentation from Jisc, which focused on a review of 2024. He looked into where we are as a sector, along with some of the key research, latest technology changes and the national and global policies and position changes over the last year.
Exploring AI at the University of London
We then had a brilliant overview of some of the ways the University of London is exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and administration. The presentation began with the findings from their AI “Study Buddy” pilot, which aimed to enhance learning, provide personalised feedback, and reduce workload. They then shared how the careers service is using AI to enhance employability education for distance learners by supporting students in the smart use of AI in job searching and engaging with AI-informed tools.
They then gave an overview of the project “Responsible Data, Models, and Workflows: Responsible AI Digital Skills Provision for the Cultural Heritage Community,” which is hosted at the Digital Humanities Research Hub in the School of Advanced Study. The next session shared how generative AI is being used to improve student retention and optimise educational resources in their BSc Computer Science degree.
Lastly, they addressed generative AI in assessment, focusing on the voices of students and staff, navigating the challenges, and outlining the path ahead.
Spotlight sessions
Creating case studies for tomorrow’s healthcare heroes
Following a break, we had our first spotlight session of the day. This was delivered by Dr Manal Matough (Course Leader, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Coventry University) and looked into how they are using generative AI to train healthcare workers with virtual patients, doctors, nurses and interactive case studies, while highlighting the impact this has had on student learning and engagement.
Bringing together generation Z and generative AI
Our second spotlight session of the day was from Dr Lisa Harris (Director of Digital Learning, University of Exeter Business School ) & Stephen Hickman (Director of Education, University of Exeter Business School), who shared how they are embedding generative AI and assessment in their online modules.
Is the use of AI a reasonable adjustment for disability? Considering the value of AI for disabled students.
We then had a spotlight session from Ros Walker (Digital Accessibility Adviser, University of St Andrews), who discussed their work around the use of AI in assistive technology and as a reasonable adjustment for disability and included some powerful student stories.
Further presentations
Embracing Generative AI in Fashion Education
We then had a couple of in-depth presentations around AI and creative industries. Jane Mills (Deputy Head of Subject, Fashion, University of Northampton) kicked us off with a fantastic presentation around the use of AI in the fashion industry. She shared some brilliant case studies and images from her students and looked into how GenAI can help students brainstorm ideas, overcome creative blocks and take concepts further.
Human AI Collaboration in Media Creation
We then heard from Dr Melanie Stockton-Brown (Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law, University of Reading) and Dr Szilvia Ruszev (Senior Lecturer in Post Production, Bournemouth University) who shared insightful details of their important work on copyright in the creative industries.
- Link to presentation coming soon
Spotlight sessions
ALiCE – a tool for evaluating students’ academic writing and communication
We then had a further two spotlight sessions to close the afternoon. Kirstin McLenaghan (Senior Lecturer, Academic and Professional Communication, The University of Law) and Wolf Wright (Learning Technologist, The University of Law) talked about how their custom GPT has been supporting students. Their tool, ALiCE (Academic Language and Communication Evaluation), functions as a tool for evaluating students’ academic writing and is currently being user tested in one of their largest degree programmes.
- Link to presentation coming soon
A framework for the responsible use of AI in research
Our final session was from Ola David (Data Science & Digital Skills Delivery Manager, University of Nottingham) who shared their framework which was developed for the use of generative AI in research at the University of Nottingham’s researcher academy, as a way for researchers to decide independently on the risks and benefits of using GenAI to handle specific research tasks.
- See the below screenshot of Ola’s slide. For more information around the presentation, you can read this LinkedIn post where this was first presented.
To close
We then finished the day with some great discussions at our networking drinks. It was a fantastic way to close the year and we want to thank all our presenters for sharing their work, the University of London for hosting us in such a beautiful venue, and of course everyone who journeyed into London for the day to join us.
It’s great to see the innovative ways that institutions in our community are using generative AI, and we support the idea of sharing these experiences. To faciliate this, we’ve set up our Generative AI in practice page. If your institution has implemented a successful application of generative AI, we would love to learn more. Please feel free to complete our submission form if you would like to be included. Thank you!
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.
For regular updates from the team sign up to our mailing list.
Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk