Introduction
We had our usual lean coffee type discussion this month, with six topics being discussed in detail. AI literacy and competency was the main discussion area and reflects the current challenges faced in higher education. Other topics included the development of AI literacy programs, the use of AI in assessments, and the integration of AI tools in learning environments.
AI Competency Frameworks:
Several AI competency frameworks were discussed, including those from UNESCO frameworks for teachers and students were highlighted, with the teachers’ framework being published in September 2025, the Digital Education Council, and the European Commission. These frameworks aim to provide structured guidelines for both teachers and students to enhance their AI literacy and competencies. Jisc has also now produced its own AI literacy curriculum for teaching & learning staff.
The volume of different frameworks was highlighted as a concern for the sector as they struggle to understand which approach will be most effective to apply.
Learning support chatbot implementation challenges:
The group discussed challenges and insights from implementing learning support chatbots, drawing on the University of London’s pilot using Noodle Factory’s Walter. Integrated into the LMS, the chatbot offered study support and assignment feedback, receiving strong positive responses from students for its immediacy and personalisation.
Key themes included:
- Embedding AI tools within course content to enhance learning.
- The importance of clear guidance and consistent frameworks across disciplines.
- Risks such as over-reliance and cognitive decline.
- Ongoing user experience evaluation for wider rollouts.
AI Assessment Scales:
We discussed the implementation of traffic light systems to guide AI use in assessments. These systems categorise AI use into different levels (red, amber, green) to help students understand what is acceptable.
A new student-directed strand to the traffic light system, which allows students to decide their use of AI within the framework of assessment aims and learning outcomes, was shared by University of Bradford. This approach includes a FAIR model (Finding, Analysing, Evaluating, Reflecting) to guide students in their AI use.
Challenges and Considerations:
The discussion highlighted the challenges in implementing these systems, such as the need for clear definitions of terms like ‘edit’ and ensuring that the traffic light system is compatible with accessibility needs.
AI Literacy Programs:
Various institutions shared their approaches to developing AI literacy programs. These programs often include training sessions, resource repositories, and practical workshops. The importance of keeping these resources up to date with the rapidly evolving AI landscape was noted.
Examples shared included a postgraduate certificate in AI, modules on integrating AI in assessment, and the use of AI in academic research.
Ethical and Legal Considerations:
The ethical and legal implications of AI use in education were discussed. Concerns about data privacy, the potential misuse of AI-generated content, and the need for clear institutional policies were raised.
AI Guidelines for Meetings:
The conversation included discussions about the use of AI tools in meetings, such as note-taking bots. It was suggested that meeting organisers should inform participants if a bot is present and explain its purpose.
Concerns were raised about data privacy and the potential misuse of recorded content, emphasising the need for clear guidelines and policies.
Links shared during the call
- AI competency framework for students – UNESCO
- UNESCO AI competency framework for teachers
- Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework
- OCDE
- publications.jrc.ec.europa
- AI Fluency: Frameworks and Foundations \ Anthropic
- Launching: AI Literacy Curriculum for Teaching and Learning Staff
- AI Literacy in Teaching and Learning: Executive Summary
- A Framework for AI Literacy
- How an AI ‘study buddy’ is providing support for the University of London’s students – Jisc
- Talk is cheap: why structural assessment changes are needed for a time of GenAI
- Full article: Addressing student non-compliance in AI use declarations: implications for academic integrity and assessment in higher education
- National Teaching Repository
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