Facing the reality that a majority of Canadian students are using generative AI for their schoolwork, an increasing number of educators are incorporating artificial intelligence into their university classes. They are setting clear guidelines and encouraging students to use AI responsibly and critically. This shift in teaching methods is prompting instructors to rethink how they deliver lessons and evaluate students, especially concerning academic integrity concerns. Typically, universities leave decisions about AI usage to individual faculty members.
University professors are integrating AI into their courses to help students meet learning objectives effectively. For example, Antonello Callimaci, an accounting professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, has developed an AI teaching assistant named Bobby. Bobby assists students by providing quick responses based on the course material, offering sample exams, and answering specific questions. Callimaci emphasizes that Bobby is a learning tool and not a substitute for students’ work.
Political science professor Joseph Wong at the University of Toronto has revamped his teaching approach by leveraging generative AI to engage students. Instead of traditional assignments, students now create TikTok videos and engage in “reaction dialogues” with AI after reading weekly materials. Wong aims to assess students’ critical thinking and engagement levels through these interactions with AI.
At the University of Lethbridge, assistant professor Sidney Shapiro has been utilizing AI tools to enhance student engagement in his business analytics and computer science courses. By incorporating generative AI, Shapiro encourages creativity and active participation from students, moving away from traditional teaching methods. He emphasizes the importance of foundational skills like critical thinking and transparently utilizing AI in the classroom.
Maggie McDonnell, a professor at Concordia University, integrates AI into her courses to teach students the responsible and ethical use of AI. She encourages students to research and develop AI policies for their assignments. McDonnell emphasizes the need for students to engage with AI effectively, especially in career-oriented classes, and highlights the importance of regularly reassessing assessment methods and learning objectives in light of technological advancements.
