Generative AI in higher education: the good, the bad and the ugly

This in-depth course is aimed for university teacher from all academic areas with teaching experience and previously completed training in higher education teaching, UL1 or equivalent. The aim of the course is to offer a concise introduction to generative AI in higher education, exploring; the good, how GAI can be used when teaching; the bad, examining the potentially negative role GAI plays on critical thinking and student performance; and the ugly, GAI impact on the environment and intellectual thought.

The course is open for university teachers at Stockholm University and the university alliance Stockholm trio. The course corresponds to two weeks of studies (equivalent to 3 credits).

About the course

This course provides a short introduction to some of the key concepts related to generative AI (GAI) in higher education. It takes a balanced approach to some of the key criticisms, existing threats and opportunities related to teaching practices and student learning in higher education. The course will also provide examples of how GAI can be used in teaching contexts. Finally, you will develop strategies to counter or support the use of GAI in your practices.

By the end of the course, you be able to:

• Account for a selection of research on the impact of generative AI on university teachers’ practices and students’ learning.
  
• Have reflected on the impact of generative AI in relation to knowledge acquisition and assessment with respects to their own practices.
  
• Be able to apply generative AI tools to design teaching or assessment materials, and critically evaluate these based on pedagogical principles, ethical implications, and technical limitations.

The course will include critical engagement with a selection of state-of-the-art literature, as well as practical elements of using generative AI for educational purposes. The course is equivalent to two weeks of study (equivalent to 3 credits). Course language is English.

Registration

The course is primarily intended for, and free of charge to, employees of (or affiliated with) Stockholm University, as well as employees of Karolinska Institutet and the Royal Institute of Technology. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation from the system that it has been received. Once your application has been processed, you will receive a notification through the booking system regarding your placement. Your registration is binding, and cancellations later than four weeks before the course start will result in a 2000 SEK charge billed to the department. By registering, you confirm that your participation in the course has been approved by your department head or equivalent.

Register for the course in our course portal

Access to our course portal is restricted to users with a Stockholm University (SU) account

Participation in the course is free for employees of Karolinska Institutet and the Royal Institute of Technology through the Stockholm Trio collaboration. We also welcome participants from other universities and colleges, subject to availability and a course fee. Please register via the link below. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation from the system. If a place becomes available, we will contact you a couple of weeks before the course starts.

Applications for external applicants and Stockholm Trio