Recap of Professional Development Seminar on Students’ Perspectives on Learning with Generative AI

On 11 October, CTLE held a professional development seminar which featured 5 UM students as panelists to explore their perspectives on learning with generative AI (GenAI). The event attracted over 40 UM academic staff from different faculties.

The panel discussion, moderated by Director of CTLE, Prof. Katrine Wong, was a continuation of CTLE’s half-day event which spotlighted the latest research and teaching practices on GenAI. Participants were delighted to hear from 3 undergraduate students – Mr. Paco Chao (FAH), Ms. Vilena Wong (FBA), Mr. Kevin Chao (FED) – and 2 postgraduate students – Ms. Faye Liu (FED) and Ms. Renee Hu (FSS).

Panelists shared their thoughts and concerns regarding learning with GenAI. They spoke on the following points:

1. How are you using GenAI tools?
2. Do you have any concerns regarding GenAI in general?
3. Do you have any concerns regarding GenAI in assessments?
4. What kind of support do you think you and your peers need with regards to learning with GenAI?

Students found GenAI a useful tool in various aspects of their academic and extra-curricular experiences, such as researching, writing assignments and even designing activities. Other uses of GenAI, as shared by the students, include summarizing and analyzing articles, as well as generating images and even memes for communication. Students found that GenAI can help them save time and help them understand complex ideas. Descriptions of GenAI tools varied: personal tutor, search engine, language learning tool, coding assistant.

On the second question about concerns regarding GenAI usage in general, students agreed that they could receive potentially biased, incomplete and incorrect information upon receiving responses from GenAI tools. Privacy issues, academic honesty, equity and accessibility, as well as ethical practices were among their main concerns. There was a need for education on how to use GenAI effectively in academic settings. Students also expressed that the way of learning and assessment might need to be changed. In addition, the student panelists were aware that an over-reliance on GenAI could lead to decreased levels of independence, creativity and critical thinking.

Students suggested that guidance and support be provided for them, specifically, AI literacy training. They then continued to discuss the importance of understanding the mechanism and limitations of GenAI. The panel discussion ended on a positive note: teachers are important because they provide students with genuine encouragement, human guidance and emotional support, which contribute greatly towards positive learning experiences.

Participants exchanged views with the student panelists whilst leaving questions via an audience response system. Discussion continued after the event finished.

A series of teaching blog posts have been published on CTLE website regarding the integrating AI technologies in teaching, learning and assessment. CTLE is at your service in this rapidly evolving digital era of teaching and learning.