Generative AI in higher education
Generative AI applications have become increasingly accessible and popular among both students and teachers around the world. As a university, we at KTH must consider the impact of generative AI on students' learning, both positive and negative. How can we use generative AI ethically, legally and in an academically honest way? And how do we reliably assess students' knowledge in this new digital era?
What is generative AI technology?
Generative AI is a type of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that can create digital content, which is why it is called “generative” AI. Today, various generative AI applications are available on the internet, which anyone can use to create digital content according to their wishes, such as text, images, video, or code.
How does it work?
Generative AI applications are based on probability-based machine learning models trained on large data sets. These systems thus have no factual knowledge. Instead, they create material by predicting, for example, what the next piece of text should contain. The predictions are based on statistical models and the instructions they receive.
AI applications are not sentient and do not understand what they are creating. Some mimic human communication to give the illusion of sentience, making it easier to use and more appealing to humans.
Use generative AI efficiently and ethically
Generative AI applications seem to be on their way to joining the other kinds of AI-powered tools we already use at KTH, such as Grammarly. As with all new digital tools, we must consider how to effectively use generative AI while reducing the risk of misuse. We must learn to use it in a way that is ethical and academically honest, and help students do the same.
How to talk to your students about generative AI
Do you wonder how to best communicate your approach to generative AI to your students? We recommend you inform them of the general rules early, then develop more detailed class expectations in collaboration with your students. During the course, encourage continuous discussions, be transparent with your usage and model the behaviour you expect from your students. For more details and real-life examples, keep reading.
How to talk to your students about generative AI
KTH's templates for course-specific information on generative AI
Each course at KTH must have course-specific information about generative AI published in both Canvas and the course memo. To help teachers create this information, there are ready-made templates to use. There are four templates that represent four common approaches to using generative AI, here is a brief explanation of how you are supposed to use them.
KTH's templates for course-specific information on generative AI
Improve the learning experience
On these pages, you can read more about how generative AI can improve student learning experiences. As a teacher, you can use generative AI to enhance your course, for example, refine course material or provide feedback. Students can use it to aid their learning process by, for instance, adapting course material to their individual needs.
Improve the learning experience
Assessing knowledge in a world with generative AI
On these pages, you can read more about how to minimize the potential impact of generative AI on your assessment. Begin with deciding an approach, then what actions to take. Actions can roughly be divided into two categories: Preventive measures or hindering actions. These actions are not mutually exclusive, and you should actively consider both perspectives in your teaching.
Assessing knowledge in a world with generative AI
Ethical issues and legal matters
The use of generative AI has several ethical and legal implications that must be considered and addressed, as with any other digital tool at KTH. However, for generative AI it is more difficult than usual due to the complexity of the large language models and the usefulness of the technology.
Legal aspects of generative AI