Digital Learning Champion: AI’s Impact student learning, teaching, and assessment in Arts and Design higher education
Slavi Kaloferov
What is your Project?
My fascination with cutting-edge technology, combined with my love for the university environment and my passion and specialization in (improving) user experiences, drew me towards the role of Digital Learning Champion.
During conversations with my mentor, Lee Leewis, the concept of exploring ChatGPT in the context of digital learning caught my attention. It resonated with me because many universities had been grappling with this disruptive technology since the beginning of the 22/23 academic year. Meanwhile, I was also developing a growing fascination for ChatGPT and other tools in the field of Generative Artificial Intelligence, prompting me to change my focus and embark on this new direction.
I gradually formulated the research question: “How does the implementation of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools impact student learning, teaching, and assessment in Arts and Design higher education?” and embarked on a research journey.
- Watch Slavi talk about his role as Digital Learning Champion [Video – 1 minute and 8 Seconds]
I presented the question to seven staff members, and in parallel, I worked on developing a custom mixed-method research tool for students to explore their perspectives in relation to my enquiry.
To promote this initiative to the students, I created posters that were displayed throughout the LCC college, along with a dedicated website. The research tool, called CoLab AI, consisted of six challenges of varying difficulty levels, derived from past years’ LCC briefs. These challenges were revised and simplified to be completed using widely available and well-known Generative Artificial Intelligence tools online.
For further details, please visit the CoLab AI website.
The staff I spoke to were generally receptive to this technology and demonstrated a good understanding of the challenges it presents. While art and design disciplines were not heavily reliant on these tools, there was a consensus among the staff that some training and adjustments in assessment methods could be beneficial.
To read the case study and see the report visit my personal website
My Advice
Prioritize people over technology when it comes to digital learning.
Consider how technology can help, connect, or enhance the study or student life experience. Make sure to apply technology meaningfully and with a focus on benefiting students – they should always be at the centre of your initiatives.
In conclusion
In Conclusion
While there may be some temporary challenges and disruptions, I firmly believe that they will ultimately lead to positive change. Embracing these technological advancements has the potential to revolutionize education and create better learning opportunities for all.