There is limited data on the attitudes and perceptions of academic staff and professional services staff to the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in Higher Education (HE) contexts, with most of the data focussing on students’ views of GenAI. This research project will therefore explore the attitudes and perceptions of academic and professional services staff, as well as of students, to the integration of GenAI in academic settings. Furthermore, while the sector has primarily focused on the implications for academic integrity, this study proposes a broader examination of education, including instructional methodologies and delivery approaches.
This study will adopt a sequential exploratory mixed methods design involving a qualitative phase (focus groups with stakeholders across partner institutions) and a quantitative phase (survey to assess the most commonly held views on the use of GenAI).
It is intended that this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators to foster an inclusive, evidence-based approach to decision-making on the use of GenAI in HE.
Collaborative Development Fund 2023-24
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Aims and objectives
This research aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions of diverse Higher Education (HE) stakeholders towards the integration of GenAI in academic settings. The objectives of this project are to:
- Explore Perspectives of Academic Staff and Professional Services Staff
- Explore Student Perceptions
- Identify Convergence and Divergence between Staff and Student Views
Project outputs
In addition to publishing a report on the project findings, the project will provide the following outputs:
Resource cards
A set of resource cards to support institutional conversations on the potential and actual uses of GenAI and the perceptions of it.
Infographic
An infographic of key project findings for use by universities to brief key stakeholders.
Dataset
Access to the anonymised dataset for use by the international Higher Education community.
Project team
Professor Kirsty Kiezebrink
Dean for Educational Innovation, University of Aberdeen
Kirsty leads on the University’s approach to GenAI in learning and teaching. She is engaged in pedagogic research on GenAI and is the project lead.
Dr Sara Preston
Head of eLearning, Centre for Academic Development, University of Aberdeen
Sara works closely with Professor Kirsty Kiezebrink on the University’s approach to GenAI in learning and teaching, and together have produced guidance, facilitated institutional discussions and influenced policy changes.
Rosemarie McIlwhan
Associate Professor of Digital Pedagogies and Practices, Heriot-Watt University
Rosemarie leads on the Heriot-Watt approach to the use of GenAI in learning and teaching, including providing staff and student support, and chairing the University’s AI in learning and teaching sub-group.
Dr Louise Drumm
Associate Professor, Edinburgh Napier University
Louise has been leading Edinburgh Napier University’s response to GenAI, including staff and student guidance, training and development. She has also led and disseminated widely on research on student experiences of GenAI, including co-researching and co-authoring with students.
Natalie Lafferty
Head of the Centre for Technology and Innovation in Learning (CTIL), Library Learning Culture and Information, University of Dundee
Natalie is leading the development of Dundee’s approach to GenAI, providing guidance, staff development and co-ordinating the University’s AI Advisory Group.