Day 1
Theme: Gen-AI for students
- 12:00–13:00 Registration and welcome networking lunch
- 13:00–13:30 Keynote talk: Inclusive AI for Students
- Dr Sky Zhao will discuss ethical and inclusive approaches to generative AI in higher education..
- Dr Sky Zhao will discuss ethical and inclusive approaches to generative AI in higher education..
- 13:30–14:00 Abstract talks
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- 14:00–15:00 Workshop (Part 1) : Scaffolding Generative AI to Build Work Readiness in Experimental Biology
- Oana Birceanu and Christine Bell (Western University, Canada). This workshop will focuse on practical ways to help students develop GenAI literacy, context engineering in GenAI, and critical evaluation skills within lab-based learning environments. These are becoming key competencies for work readiness in scientific and research settings. Participants will take part in a hands-on activity that models how structured use of GenAI can guide experimental design and data analysis. We’ll also discuss adaptable strategies for embedding GenAI into inquiry-driven teaching to help support students in building analytical, communication, and digital skills that will help them in future work settings.
- Oana Birceanu and Christine Bell (Western University, Canada). This workshop will focuse on practical ways to help students develop GenAI literacy, context engineering in GenAI, and critical evaluation skills within lab-based learning environments. These are becoming key competencies for work readiness in scientific and research settings. Participants will take part in a hands-on activity that models how structured use of GenAI can guide experimental design and data analysis. We’ll also discuss adaptable strategies for embedding GenAI into inquiry-driven teaching to help support students in building analytical, communication, and digital skills that will help them in future work settings.
- 15:00–15:30 Break
- 15:30–16:30 Workshop (Part 2): Scaffolding Generative AI to Build Work Readiness in Experimental Biology
- Evening Drinks/networking
Day 2
Theme: Gen-AI for Educators
- 09:00–09:30 Keynote talk: Top tips for responsible Gen-AI from a HE community of practice
- Dr Denise Hough (University of Glasgow) will share key insights from a community of practice, namely the Generative AI Network for Education (GAINEd) from the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow. GAINEd was established as platform for higher education staff to discuss all matters relating to genAI as this sector adapts to the changes brought on by this transformative technology. Focussing on recurring themes, the presentation shares the importance of considering Context, Control, and Critical use (the 3 C's) in decision making around how to embrace or embed genAI in higher education. Case studies are shared to show the practical application of each of the three Cs. Finally, a central resource is shared to benefit both staff and students to identify disciplinary-specific good practice for genAI use, which is focussed on existing disciplinary skills. We believe this skills-focussed genAI guidance is more sustainable in future because it acknowledges personal preferences in digital fluency and raises awareness of key aspects to keep in mind (unique benefits versus risks) when choosing to use these tools for that particular skill or task.
- Dr Denise Hough (University of Glasgow) will share key insights from a community of practice, namely the Generative AI Network for Education (GAINEd) from the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow. GAINEd was established as platform for higher education staff to discuss all matters relating to genAI as this sector adapts to the changes brought on by this transformative technology. Focussing on recurring themes, the presentation shares the importance of considering Context, Control, and Critical use (the 3 C's) in decision making around how to embrace or embed genAI in higher education. Case studies are shared to show the practical application of each of the three Cs. Finally, a central resource is shared to benefit both staff and students to identify disciplinary-specific good practice for genAI use, which is focussed on existing disciplinary skills. We believe this skills-focussed genAI guidance is more sustainable in future because it acknowledges personal preferences in digital fluency and raises awareness of key aspects to keep in mind (unique benefits versus risks) when choosing to use these tools for that particular skill or task.
- 09:30–10:00 Abstract talks
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- 10:00–11:00 Workshop (Part 1): Using GenAI to improve accessibility and inclusivity in teaching activities
- Alisha Aman is on MVLS GAINEd steering group. This hands-on workshop will show how to use genAI (copilot in our case) to improve accessibility and inclusivity in teaching activities (e.g. review of ppt slides, assessment design, etc.), as well as examples of improving work efficiency (e.g. creating ics files to streamline entry of multiple outlook calendar events). The last part of the workshop also covers more admin-related tasks, e.g. file batch renaming (e.g. for Moodle bulk upload) but think this is perhaps not so useful to educators as it would be for professional services. However, I do have an idea to replace this part for the workshop with ways to embed/embrace genAI more sustainably in HE, considering its environmental impact and the scale at which we teach.
- Alisha Aman is on MVLS GAINEd steering group. This hands-on workshop will show how to use genAI (copilot in our case) to improve accessibility and inclusivity in teaching activities (e.g. review of ppt slides, assessment design, etc.), as well as examples of improving work efficiency (e.g. creating ics files to streamline entry of multiple outlook calendar events). The last part of the workshop also covers more admin-related tasks, e.g. file batch renaming (e.g. for Moodle bulk upload) but think this is perhaps not so useful to educators as it would be for professional services. However, I do have an idea to replace this part for the workshop with ways to embed/embrace genAI more sustainably in HE, considering its environmental impact and the scale at which we teach.
- 11:00–11:30 Break
- 11:30–12:30 Workshop (Part 2): Using GenAI to improve accessibility and inclusivity in teaching activities
- 12:30–13:30 Lunch
Theme: Gen-AI for educators and students
- 13:30–14:00 Keynote talk: Institutional Perspectives of Ethical AI Adoption in Higher Education
- Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Strategy, Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), will examine different institutional approaches to empowering students and staff to use AI ethically and effectively in higher education, drawing on policy perspectives and sector-wide practice.
- Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Strategy, Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), will examine different institutional approaches to empowering students and staff to use AI ethically and effectively in higher education, drawing on policy perspectives and sector-wide practice.
- 14:00-14:30 Abstract talks
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- There are two 15-minute abstract talk slots available. We welcome abstract submissions (include link)
- 14:30-15:00 Break
- 15:00–16:00 Roundtable discussion for paper (refreshments in room)
- This facilitated roundtable will bring together speakers from across the meeting to discuss shared priorities, challenges, and opportunities for GenAI in higher education. Contributions will be captured to inform qualitative analysis and the development of a collective, published perspective article reflecting insights from the educational community.
- This facilitated roundtable will bring together speakers from across the meeting to discuss shared priorities, challenges, and opportunities for GenAI in higher education. Contributions will be captured to inform qualitative analysis and the development of a collective, published perspective article reflecting insights from the educational community.
- 16:00 End