How the controlled use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) can prepare learners for employment was the topic of a recent workshop for Applied Business kaiako from across Unitec and MIT.
Generative AI is artificial intelligence capable of generating text, images, videos or other data using generative models, often in response to prompts. It includes ChatGPT and other similar iterations.
Hosted by Unitec’s Te Puna Ako advisors, the workshop attracted more than 50 teaching staff from both providers’ Business Schools and was the latest in a series of Te Puna Ako workstreams around helping schools adapt to AI in teaching and learning.
Te Puna Ako team manager Joce Williams says one of the aims of the session was to discuss the Two-lane approach to assessment among teaching teams and stimulate new thinking about assessments using controlled forms of AI.
Pioneered by the University of Sydney last year, the two-lane model asks educators to consider two important objectives.
“We need to provide assurance that students have met the learning outcomes, while at the same time preparing students to use Gen AI effectively and responsibly,” says Te Puna Ako advisor Mark Smith, who led the keynote session on the two-lane model.
“The two-lane approach is about human-AI collaboration as a valid part of learning,” he says. “It’s a practical response to the rapid integration of AI tools into almost every type of work that graduates will enter.
“Allowing controlled use of AI as part of learning and assessment is an important way for educators to prepare learners for employment,” he says.
Workshop participants from various Business disciplines also discussed how AI is used in their industries, including what aspects of work it is likely to support, and what aspects should be done independently of the technology; and how to assess these.
The session wrapped up with a preview from digital adviser Sharnell Aumua of a new online AI Literacy For Learners Digital Resource, available to teaching teams to embed within Moodle courses from October. It will cover concise AI concepts, practical applications, prompting techniques and guidance on its responsible use.
Kay Kirkland, Head of MIT and Unitec’s business schools, had originally asked Te Puka Ako to host the workshop for her business lecturing teams, and said she felt “the teams were really engaged and it has helped their journeys into the world of Gen AI”.
Unitec Academic Programme Manager Malama Saifoloi captured the energy of the session in her comment that “we all walked away with a couple of gems to work with, until next time”.
The workshop has helped create a prototype approach on rethinking the technology and assessment that can be adapted in other disciplines, with a new series of AI and assessment workshops planned for programme teams in the October mid-semester break.
If you would like to discuss how TPA can provide guidance on the use of AI in your teaching practices, please contact Abha Chitalia achitalia@unitec.ac.nz or Mark Smith msmith@unitec.ac.nz.