Artificial Intelligence (AI) - does student knowledge and perceptions of its use as a learning support tool align with academic staff approaches to embedding AI activities and tools in the curriculum?

Project leader(s): Servel Miller Jenny Duckworth
Theme: Technologies for STEM learning
Faculty: STEM
Status: Current
Dates: May 2025 to November 2026

As highlighted by the recent Global Student AI Survey, over 84% of university students are using Large Language Model (LLM) Artificial Intelligence (AI) for their study on a regular basis (Digital Education Council, 2024). Students are rapidly adapting to the use of AI (for example getting ideas for projects and refining language) and want it better integrated into their curriculum (Chan, and Hu, 2023). However, the pace of AI integration into curriculum has not kept pace with students’ expectations, and a digital divide is emerging between students who have access to AI tools, can afford them and have developed skills in their use and those who do not (McGregor, 2022).

Understanding OU students level of use of AI, and expectations as well as how (if) staff are integrating AI-based tools (e.g. ‘Wooclap’ and ‘Wooflash’ to generate quizzes and collaborative exercises) and activities (simulation exercises, data visualisation, gamification interactivity) in the curriculum for student engagement is integral to ensure alignment between learner expectations and universities’ ability to develop appropriate curricula to address their needs whilst maintaining academic integrity.

The proposed research will gather views on AI of students studying modules at Stage 1 (S112), Stage 2 (S226) and Stage 3 (S319; S397) in the School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (EEES). These will be sought using questionnaires and focus group discussions.

Integration of AI-based tools into Curriculum development will be assessed via interviews with academics and Curriculum Managers involved with two modules currently in production, and members of the Curriculum Strategy & Governance team.

The project has the potential to inform STEM Faculty and wider university practices in how AI can better embed into curriculum development, and enhance student engagement, whilst upskilling them ready for the rapidly evolving AI work environment. It will also identify training requirements to improve the skills and confidence of STEM staff in the use of AI for student engagement.