Generative AI tools and assistants are multiplying rapidly in all media. In Topic 4 in this course we explore all the ways in which Generative AI can assist you in exploring, planning and developing materials for learning purposes. However, in Topics 1-3 I will be asking you to avoid using these auto-creation tools. Too much use of Generative AI creates bland, homogenous and sometimes inaccurate results and gets in the way of your learning about what each tool or teaching method can offer. The best way to learn about the most effective and ethical use of Generative AI tools is to do tasks manually first. If you look at the marking rubrics for the assignments you’ll notice that the majority of the grades are assigned for exploration, experimentation and reflection which can sometimes be messy and unpolished – and that’s great. This learning process is much more important than the final product of this course.

A Generatove AI assessment scale from Dr. Leon Furze

In Topic 4, we will be exploring Generative AI, looking at a range of tools that can help you create lesson plans and learning materials efficiently as well as the ethics and challenges of using these tools. At that point, you are welcome to use some of these tools to assist you in completing assignments for the course. However, you need to cite your use of them and reflect on your use of these tools:

  • Which tools did you find useful and why did you make the decision to use them?
  • What did they make possible for you? What were the trade-offs?

Topic 4 will help equip you to cite them properly and discuss their use.

Using the scale below, this is the permitted use of Generative AI for each assignment in the course:

Assignment Generative AI Allowable Use Description
1: Topic Reflection Blog Posts (Topics 1-3)1 – NO AI
1: Topic Reflection Blog Posts (Topics 4-9)2 – AI-ASSISTED IDEA GENERATION AND STRUCTURING
2: Lesson Plan Materials Creation3 – AI-ASSISTED EDITING
3: Lead Your Lesson1 – NO AI

*Please refer to the chart below from Dr. Leon Furze for a more detailed description of each level. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the instructor to clarify these conditions. Misuse of these tools is a violation of UVic’s policy on academic integrity and will be referred to the Department Head for investigation.