Ep 67 - University of South Australia’s perspective on AI and rethinking assessment

In this video we chat with Dr Sheridan Gentili from University of South Australia (UniSA), who in her role leading the Teaching Innovation Unit, sheds light on how the institution is approaching AI technology in their current teaching and learning practices and what’s influencing the development of their long-term strategy for AI use.

Lamenting how ‘fear of the unknown’, amplified by the media, has undermined a more measured response to AI and specifically, ChatGPT, Sheridan confirms UniSA’s position of not issuing any blanket ban on AI tools. Rather, incorporating the technology as part of their responsibility to help students understand how they can use it responsibly and ethically, during their academic journey and in a professional capacity.

Reflecting on UniSA’s approach to meeting student learning outcomes and safeguarding academic integrity, Sheridan discusses the relevance of their Authentic Assessment project to help educators re-conceptualise assessment amidst ongoing disruption from online modalities and AI, and carve out a space for technology within the assessment process.

Anchoring their response to AI around the core principles of what good assessment is, Sheridan unpacks the challenge ahead including ethical factors such as student equity when AI tools are inevitably monetised, plus the potential she sees for more meaningful markers along the learning pathway to remedy overreliance on high-stakes, summative evaluations.

Finally, Sheridan considers the partnership between edtech providers, and the importance of value alignment and transparency to meet the needs of learning institutions.

How can higher education begin to embrace AI tools, without becoming untethered from the values and principles essential to the premise of teaching and learning? Watch the video to learn more.

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