UON Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance

Whilst Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) took the world by storm during 2023, the developments behind this work had started many years previously. Discussions around AI definitions were happening around the 1960s which gives some idea of how long people have been anticipating some of the outputs we have been seeing recently.

The University of Northampton (UON) took an early decision to support an acknowledgment-based approach to the use of GenAI. This allowed staff and students to use some tools within academic and ethical boundaries. UON has also committed to support staff and students to build their critical AI literacy.

2023 and 2024 Staff and student GenAI surveys have shown the range of use throughout the institution. In all areas this tends to flow from those who are very optimistic to those advocating a more cautious approach. In response, the University has adopted a multi-phase approach to supporting developments in this area:

1. There is a single point for staff and students to access information and guidance on the University approach. Where necessary this will link to further pages providing more detail and support.
2. All staff are able to attend a regular University AI Forum to discuss and share any information. This is complemented by an AI Teams area to allow for additional information to be shared.
3. Students should be able to talk to their tutors about any concerns with the use of GenAI in their work and assignments. This can then be followed up with dedicated support where needed.
4. UON has enabled staff and students to use the free version of Microsoft Co-pilot (previously Bing chat) and Padlet now has AI functionality for all users. Staff are also able to access AI functionality in NILE using the AI Design Assistant.
5. Staff and students are able to check their AI digital literacy through the free Discovery Tool and then receive follow up guidance either through supplementary material on LinkedIn Learning or from dedicated support.
6. Case studies around AI use have been collated by the Centre for Active Digital Education, AI Special Interest Group. Further case studies and updates are available on the Learntech blog.
7. Annual staff and student surveys will allow UON to monitor its uptake of GenAI and plan further interventions.

Rob Howe

Rob is Head of Learning Technology within LLSS. He is also Co-Chair of the Centre for Active Digital Education AI Group.