The availability and uptake of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is impacting on the ways in which staff and students in universities teach, learn and assess. There are both risks and opportunities for an educational future shaped by the availability of AI tools, and both staff and students need to be aware of these in the context of the field of study and teaching of their discipline. The technologies themselves are rapidly evolving but there is an emerging consensus that students and staff need to develop ways of ethically using these technologies, be aware of the constraints and limitations but also the potential for innovation and enhancement in teaching and learning.
In response to teaching staff questions and as a way of keeping abreast of developments and issues, we have developed a series of guides for both staff and students.
AI Resource Guides
These guides are regularly updated to keep up with the fast-changing AI landscape. Written during May-July 2023, they aim to provide current information and will be continuously refreshed to include significant developments.
Staff Guide: Assessment and academic integrity in the age of artificial intelligence
Discover our staff guide addressing the challenges surrounding assessments in light of the widespread accessibility of generative artificial intelligence tools. This guide delves into various issues and offers practical strategies, approaches, and recommended tools to safeguard academic integrity. Stay informed and learn how to effectively mitigate the potential threats posed by AI tools in the assessment process.
Staff Guide: Teaching and learning with AI tools
Explore our comprehensive guide on the uses of generative AI tools like ChatGPT in teaching and learning. Discover potential applications, examine ethical concerns, and access additional resources.
Student Guide: Using ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in Education
Our student guide provides valuable advice on ethical practices when utilising ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in an educational setting. Empower yourself with insights and recommendations on how to approach these tools responsibly while maintaining academic integrity. Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations involved and make informed decisions regarding the use of generative AI in your educational journey.
AI Tools in Education working group
The Online Education Sub-committee has established a UCT Working Group on AI Tools in Education. Reporting to the DVC Teaching and Learning the group aims to bring together cross-institutional and faculty perspectives to develop and shape institutional responses.
Supported by CILT, current activities include:
- Awareness raising and communications: Regular engagement sessions with faculty and departments are being offered to enhance understanding of AI technologies and their potential impact on education and in particular assessment. A regular monthly email update of key developments in the space is planned.
- Training/Workshops for teaching with AI: We are developing a series of workshops for educators to understand, teach with, and teach about AI tools. This includes the effective usage of AI tools for pedagogical purposes and the implications on assessments.
- AI Literacy: A core goal is to promote AI literacy among students and staff. There is potential for reviewing the incorporation of AI-focused modules in curricula.
- Assessment and Academic Integrity: We will need to review our forthcoming academic misconduct policy and current plagiarism guidelines in light of AI advancements. The use of AI detectors, like TurnitIn, are being tested to inform ethical use.
- Testing of Tools: We are broadening our range of tested AI tools beyond ChatGPT to include generative graphic and media AI tools. The focus remains on understanding the capabilities and limitations of these tools for teaching and learning.
- Data Collection: We are collecting practices and examples of AI use in teaching and learning via a form. These findings will be disseminated to promote effective practices and be incorporated into future guides.
- Governance: Recommendations are being formulated to be presented to the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee later in 2023. We will need to ensure alignment with other policies.
- Student Support: AI technologies offer potential for personalised 'tutoring' and customised learning pathways. We will explore these possibilities in conjunction with learning analytics.
Please contact the Chair Sukaina Walji for more information or if you would like to join the working group.
AI Panel Discussion
Our recent panel discussion brought together renowned experts and experienced educators to explore the impact of generative AI in the classroom. Lecturers Zainab Ruhwanya, Dr. Anita Campbell, and Dr. Jan Buys, a leading authority in large language models, shared their insights and strategies on "How can we respond to ChatGPT in the classroom: Restrict, adapt, or adopt?" If you missed the online panel discussion you can watch the video recording and gain valuable insights from the discussion.
Submit your example or issue
Have you incorporated generative AI into your teaching or want to discuss a particular issue or challenge? We value your input and invite you to contribute to the growing collection of examples highlighting successful use cases and challenges encountered. To share your experiences, simply fill out the this form. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via email at cilt-helpdesk@uct.ac.za to discuss applications, seek assistance, or connect with a dedicated CILT staff member.
Other useful resources
CHERTL: Rhodes University, 2023 Getting started with Generative AI Tools
CLTD: Wits University, 2023 ChatGPT for Learning and Teaching: A comprehensive resource about generative ‘artificial intelligence’
National Centre for AI, JISC: (2023) A Generative AI Primer.
UNESCO ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence in higher education: Quick Start Guide