Identifying tailored delivery routes for ALs to guide the use of Generative AI as a study support tool

Project leader(s): Emma SteeleCarol CalvertAlison Bromley
Theme: Technologies for STEM learning
Faculty: STEM
Status: Current
Dates: May 2025 to January 2027

Issue to address

There is enormous potential for students to use GenAI as a support tool in their learning. Responsible and appropriate use of GenAI can positively impact student engagement and employability.

An important delivery mechanism for supporting students in the use of GenAI for learning will be through ALs working with students at the module level. However, it remains a challenge for ALs to simultaneously deal with their own perceptions of GenAI alongside guiding students. A clear understanding of the benefit to students in technology enhanced learning will be key to ALs willingness to engage in change.

Approach to be taken

Firstly, this project will use internal and external surveys (trialled in 2024-5) to establish student and AL positioning on the use of GenAI in teaching and learning, making comparisons where possible between target mathematics and statistics modules, and results beyond the OU. Issues and concerns arising from survey analysis will be explored qualitatively with the use of focus groups.

The project will trial training materials for ALs in the use of GenAI for teaching at the module level. The current approach piloted on M248 will be adapted for other modules both within the school (MU123, Discovering Mathematics) and outside of the STEM faculty (DD320, Doing economics: inequalities, innovation and environment).

Anticipated outcomes

The outputs from the project are anticipated as follows:

Checklist frameworks for both students and ALs to acknowledge their own position on GenAI.
Templates for module guidance and AL staff development materials for supporting student use of GenAI.
Dissemination of findings both internally and externally in reports and talks.

Impact on staff and students

Within participating modules, increased staff confidence, willingness and capabilities in guiding student use of GenAI as a study support tool. Dissemination of the project outcomes will allow other module teams to learn from our findings.

We anticipate positive impact on student autonomy, progression and retention. The improvement of student critical thinking and employability skills will also contribute towards excellence in teaching.