Harnessing AI in higher education

Use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools is taking off in the education sector. The Department for Education (“DfE) has released a comprehensive suite of resources to support the safe and effective use of AI in the sector. While these materials are primarily aimed at schools and colleges, universities can use them to help make informed decisions about adopting AI technologies.

At the heart of this initiative is the paper Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education, which states that the use of AI should help reduce administrative burdens, personalise learning and allow teachers to “focus on what they do best: teaching”. This paper acknowledges the transformative potential of generative AI tools while also stressing the importance of infrastructure and safety. It also favours “pedagogical alignment,” which refers to the training and fine-tuning generative AI tools to emulate effective teaching strategies, not just providing immediate answers to students without guiding them through the problem-solving process.

The DfE has developed a four-part training module series:

• Module 1: Understanding AI in Education. This introduces foundational concepts, including how AI systems work and their potential applications in the education sector. It also recognises the importance of supporting lecturers in their usage of AI
• Module 2: Interacting with Generative AI. This offers practical guidance on using AI tools for tasks such as drafting lecture plans or generating quiz questions
• Module 3: Safe Use of Generative AI. This addresses risks such as misinformation, bias, safeguarding issues, data privacy, intellectual property rights and encourages universities to develop clear usage policies and to adopt best practice
• Module 4: Use Cases of Generative AI This presents real-world examples, including generating content for lessons, suggestions on how to hone research, audio outputs, personalised learning and feedback and support for students with special educational needs. Controversially, it also suggests AI-assisted marking.

There are many examples of how AI can improve performance. For example, it indicates that teachers using AI for lesson and resource planning could save 30% of their time per week. It also suggests that AI can automate routine administrative tasks – such as compiling reports or summarising parent communications – to free up valuable time for teachers. Another is the use of AI to generate differentiated learning materials tailored to individual pupil needs.

However, the DfE is clear that AI should not replace human judgment. Instead, it should be seen as a tool to augment professional expertise. Universities are encouraged to involve staff, students and parents in discussions about AI use and to ensure transparency and accountability in its deployment. Even this so-called “human in the loop” is not a guarantee of a successful outcome as it is important to ensure the appropriately skilled person is involved.

Remember, it’s not just universities using AI, but also their students. Recent freedom of information requests in the UK indicated almost 7,000 proven cases of cheating using AI, equivalent to 5.1 for every 1,000 students. That was in 2023-24, already up dramatically from 1.6 cases per 1,000 in 2022-23. As AI use becomes more widespread, this will continue to increase.

What should universities do next?

• Build knowledge: Use the DfE’s training modules to educate staff on AI principles and tools. Speak to other universities to find out what they are doing
• Implement AI policies: Establish clear guidelines on acceptable use, data protection, and academic integrity. Beware abuse of AI, particularly by students
• Pilot and evaluate: If you are investigating your first use of AI or first use in a new area, start with small-scale trials in areas like lecture planning or admin. Assess the impact and adjust as required
• Engage stakeholders: Involve teachers, pupils and parents in shaping AI strategy and address their concerns
• Stay informed: Monitor updates to ensure compliance and best practice. Move with market and keep assessing whether you have the right AI tools.

For more information on managing AI integration in Higher Education settings, speak to our specialised team.