In response to the widespread adoption of generative AI tools among Canadian students, many educators are integrating artificial intelligence into their university courses, emphasizing responsible usage and critical thinking. This shift in approach requires instructors to reconsider their teaching methods and evaluation processes as institutions typically leave AI implementation decisions to individual faculty members.
University professors are incorporating AI into their curriculum and guiding students on its proper utilization. For example, accounting professor Antonello Callimaci at Université du Québec à Montréal has developed an AI “teaching assistant” named Bobby. Bobby assists students by summarizing course material, creating sample exams, and answering specific queries based on Callimaci’s content.
Political science professor Joseph Wong from the University of Toronto has revamped his teaching strategies by replacing traditional assignments with interactive tasks involving AI. Students are now engaging in “reaction dialogues” with AI agents after completing weekly readings, fostering deeper exploration and understanding of course material.
At the University of Lethbridge, assistant professor Sidney Shapiro is leveraging AI tools to enhance student engagement in his courses. He uses generative AI to swiftly generate code based on student input, creating interactive and amusing learning experiences. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of foundational skills like critical thinking and transparently integrating AI into his teaching methods.
Concordia University instructor Maggie McDonnell integrates AI across her courses and collaborates with students to establish AI policies for assignments. McDonnell emphasizes the ethical and effective use of AI, encouraging students to disclose AI usage in their work and explore its impact across various industries.
As educators navigate the evolving landscape of AI integration in education, they are constantly reevaluating assessment methods and learning objectives. McDonnell highlights the need to adapt teaching approaches to engage students effectively while fostering ethical AI usage. This continuous evolution in teaching practices reflects the ongoing dialogue on the role of AI in education and the importance of guiding students towards responsible and meaningful AI utilization.
