Suggestions on how to use GenAI

You can use generative AI tools to save time, generate ideas, and create teaching resources while staying in control of the final content.

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and DALL·E can support you in various aspects of your teaching journey. These tools can save you time, help you explore ideas, and improve the quality and variety of your teaching resources. Here are some ways you could safely and effectively use AI in your role as a lecturer:

1. Drafting and Brainstorming (Low-Stakes Tasks)

You can use AI tools to generate first drafts of documents such as teaching plans, learning outcomes, assessment tasks, or marking guides. AI can help you list ideas, explore options, or suggest structures — saving you time in the early stages of development. You are still expected to review and finalise all content yourself to ensure it meets course requirements and learning outcomes.

Example:
Use AI to draft an outline for a new assignment or create sample marking criteria for an activity — then adjust and refine it to suit your students and the course context.

2. Coding or Technical Assistance

If you work with coding, data, or technical tools (such as Excel, spreadsheets, or accounting software), AI tools like Copilot can help you generate simple scripts, solve formula problems, or format data quickly. You remain responsible for checking accuracy and ensuring the outputs suit your teaching needs.

Example:
Generate Excel formulas for financial calculations or automate repetitive spreadsheet tasks to improve the efficiency of your teaching materials.

3. Creative and Visual Content (e.g. Mood Boards, Images)

AI image generators like DALL·E or Adobe Firefly can help you create visuals for your teaching resources — such as mood boards, concept illustrations, or example graphics. These tools can be useful when you need quick visuals to support your slides, activities, or assessments.

Example:
Create an AI-generated mood board to introduce a new business case study or design mock-up graphics for a marketing topic.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using AI:

Accuracy Check: Always review and edit AI outputs to ensure they are correct, relevant, and appropriate for your teaching purpose.
Academic Integrity: Avoid using AI to create final or official documents (such as course descriptors or assessment rubrics) without careful checking and approval.
Level of Use: AI can be helpful for low-level or routine tasks (drafting, formatting, idea generation) but is not a replacement for your professional judgement and expertise.
Transparency: If you use AI to create shared resources (such as team documents or published guides), note where and how AI was involved, so others are aware.

Generative AI can be a valuable tool for saving time and expanding ideas in your teaching practice. When used thoughtfully and with care, AI can support — but not replace — your expertise as a lecturer. Start small, stay curious, and always review the outputs critically.