AI in Education Bi-weekly Digest - Issue #23

Welcome to our latest #23 newsletter, where we explore the rapidly evolving world of Generative AI and its impact on education. Since our Generative AI Insights 2024 Conference, we've seen a surge in groundbreaking research that highlights the potential of AI to transform teaching, learning, and assessment. This issue features insightful studies from global experts, including innovative uses of AI in large lecture courses, the development of AI literacy tests, and the evolving policies on generative AI across Asia. Additionally, we share updates from recent events, news, blogs, and essential tools to keep you at the forefront of AI research and application in education. Dive in to discover how these advancements are shaping the future of learning!

Generative AI Research

It has been a while since our Generative AI Insights 2024 Conference, and generative AI continues to develop rapidly. As highlighted by our conference theme, it is encouraging to see more tangible research emerging, particularly from the speakers who shared their findings at the GAIN conferences. This research strengthens the understanding of how educators can use these tools to empower teaching and learning with generative AI.

Utilizing AI to Foster Informal Learning and Assessment in Large Lecture Courses by Prof Stuart Hargreaves - In this insightful paper, Prof Hargreaves from The Chinese University of Hong Kong explores the innovative use of generative AI tools to enhance informal learning and assessment in large lecture courses. By employing AI-generated lecture summaries, quizzes, and a course chatbot, he demonstrates the potential of AI to provide cost-effective and impactful educational enhancements.

University Policies on Generative AI in Asia: Promising Practices, Gaps, and Future Directions by Prof Yun DAI, Ms Sichen LAI, Prof Cher Ping LIM & Prof Ang LIU - Through a scoping review of 30 institutions from the QS top 60 Asian universities, the study examines how these universities are integrating GenAI into their academic frameworks. Focusing on text generation, student management, and academic integrity, the paper highlights efforts to balance traditional academic values with the innovative potential of GenAI. This paper offers a critical foundation for global discussions on GenAI's role in higher education, emphasizing the need for informed and inclusive policy development.

Developing and Validating Measures for AI Literacy Tests: From Self-Reported to Objective Measures by Prof Thomas K.F. CHIU, Dr. Yifan CHEN, Dr. King Woon YAU, Prof Ching-sing CHAI, Prof Helen MENG, Prof Irwin KING, Prof Savio WONG, Prof Yeung YAM - Unlike traditional self-reported questionnaires that often fail to accurately measure AI literacy, this study employs a robust approach. Researchers from engineering and education crafted 25 multiple-choice questions, validated by school teachers, to align with an AI curriculum for middle schools. Administered to 2,390 students in grades 7 to 9, the test was analyzed using the Rasch model, confirming its reliability and validity. The results highlight the test's effectiveness in providing a true measure of AI literacy, offering a valuable tool for AI education researchers and practitioners to evaluate educational interventions accurately.

A Scoping Review on How Generative Artificial Intelligence Transforms Assessment on Higher Education by Ms Qi XIA, Dr. Xiaojing WENG, Prof Fan OUYAN, Prof Tzung Jin LIN & Prof Thomas K.F. CHIU - This comprehensive scoping review delves into the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on assessment in higher education. This study provides a forward-thinking perspective on how GenAI can modernize and revolutionize the assessment landscape, addressing the evolving educational needs in an AI-driven world.

Generative AI Detection in Higher Education Assessments by Dr. Cesare G. ARDITO - This chapter offers a critical examination of generative AI (GenAI) detection tools within higher education assessments, addressing the urgent need to reassess traditional academic integrity mechanisms in light of GenAI's rapid adoption. By analyzing various case studies, media reports, and student testimonies, the chapter evaluates the effectiveness and ethical considerations of AI detection tools. It argues that reliance on these mechanisms is misaligned with the evolving educational landscape where AI is increasingly integral. Instead, the author advocates for a strategic shift towards robust assessment methods and educational policies that embrace GenAI while maintaining academic integrity.

Voice of the Future: Exploring Students’ Views on the Use of GenAI in Academic and Professional PR Writing by Prof Napawan TANTIVEJAKUL, Ms Jidapa CHANTHARASOMBAT, Dr. Woralan KONGPOLPHROM - This study explores the integration of generative AI (GenAI) in higher education in Thailand, focusing on its application in academic and professional public relations (PR) writing. Despite positive attitudes post-trial, students expressed concerns and reservations about using GenAI in future PR writing, particularly in English. The study highlights the need for adequate resources and practical guidelines to support GenAI adoption.

ChatGPT and Its Educational Impact: Insights from a Software Development Competition by Prof Sunhee HWANG, Prof Yudoo KIM, Prof Heejin LEE - A recent study by researchers from Dongyang Mirae University in South Korea, highlighted on Neowin, reveals the positive impact of generative AI on learning in software development courses. The study involved a software development competition where students utilized ChatGPT, showing that those who extensively used the AI tool had higher completion rates and better scores. The research suggests that generative AI aids in understanding complex topics and enhances practical skills, contributing positively to students' career development.

Event:

A Framework for Categorising and Applying AI Tools to Enhance the Quality and Pace of Research – The recent event led by Dr. Eric Tsui was a resounding success, attracting over 400 participants eager to explore the integration of AI in research. Due to the high interest and engagement, we are collecting questions to further tap into Dr. Tsui's expertise in a follow-up dialogue session. Please drop us your questions, and if we collect enough, we will invite Dr. Tsui for a dialogue to address your interests.

News, Articles & Blogs:

[Comments] 3 Things Parents and Students Told Us about How Generative AI Can Support Learning - In a recent blog, Google highlights insights from parents and students on how generative AI is enhancing the learning experience. The article emphasizes three key benefits: providing real-time feedback for parents to better support their children's education, offering enhanced learning opportunities for students to explore unfamiliar subjects, and creating customized learning pathways for individuals with learning differences.

[Comments] The Latest Version of ChatGPT Has a Feature You’ll Fall in Love With. And That’s a Worry - Rob Brooks from UNSW Sydney discusses the intriguing yet concerning new feature of ChatGPT's latest version—advanced voice mode. This feature enhances the chatbot's ability to engage in natural, emotion-infused conversations, making it sound remarkably human. While this development promises more engaging interactions, it raises concerns about users forming intimate connections with the AI, potentially impacting real-life relationships.

[Comments] Generative AI Transformed English Homework. Math Is Next - Reece Rogers explores the impact of ByteDance's Gauth app, a generative AI tool transforming how students tackle math homework. Launched in 2019, Gauth has gained popularity for its ability to scan and solve math problems, offering step-by-step solutions to students. While the app provides accessibility and support for learners, it raises questions about its potential to diminish critical thinking skills if overly relied upon. As AI continues to reshape educational landscapes, the article prompts educators and parents to consider the balance between leveraging technology and fostering essential problem-solving abilities in students.

[Report] Study Buddy or Influencer - A recent Ausutralian parliamentary report, titled "Study Buddy or Influencer," highlights the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence in education, asserting that its benefits surpass the associated risks. The report advocates for the widespread integration of AI across various educational sectors, with the exception of early childcare and education. It emphasizes that marginalized children could significantly benefit from AI, provided it is implemented with appropriate safeguards.

[Cheat sheet] What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? - Explore the world of artificial intelligence with IBM's comprehensive guide, offering a whirlwind tour of AI concepts and technologies. This page delves into the fundamentals of AI, including machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI, while highlighting their applications and benefits across various industries.

Tools/Resources:

Disclaimer: AI in Education has no affiliation with any highlighted free or commercial products in this section.

[Resources] AI Research Tools - Explore the comprehensive collection of AI research tools curated by Susie Macfarlane on Padlet. This resourceful page serves as a hub for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts seeking to enhance their understanding and application of artificial intelligence. From beginner-friendly guides to advanced analytical tools, the collection offers a diverse range of resources to support AI research and development.

[Resources] AI Competency Framework for Students by UNESCO - Last week, UNESCO's Digital Learning Week marked a significant milestone in advancing the digital transformation of education. The event brought together digital education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from around the globe to engage in dynamic discussions and collaborative efforts. A highlight of the week was the introduction of UNESCO's new AI competency framework for students, designed to equip young learners with essential skills for navigating the digital age. This framework underscores the importance of fostering digital competencies and human-centered mindsets, ensuring that technology serves sustainable and ethical educational goals.

---

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the linked posts are those of the speakers and or their entities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the project AI in Education, Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.