Generative AI
What is Generative AI?
"Generative AI" or “Gen AI” refers to artificial intelligence systems capable of creating new content, typically in the form of images, text, audio or video, that is original and not directly copied from existing examples. These systems leverage techniques such as deep learning, neural networks, and probabilistic models to generate content that mimics human creativity.
Popular and widely available Gen AI products include ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini.
UEL approach
Generative AI is an exciting and rapidly developing area of technology with great opportunities to improve the learning and teaching experience and the ways we all work. However, there are also important risks and limitations to be aware of.
UEL encourages responsible engagement with Gen AI in accordance with the 6 principles outlined below. We are committed in supporting all staff and students to become AI-literate so we can all benefit from the effective and safe use of AI in our roles.
AI Principles
- Safe, Ethical and Responsible Use
UEL emphasises the importance of safety, security, privacy, transparency, fairness, accountability and governance in the use of AI systems. Effective governance frameworks should be established to ensure that AI systems are developed, deployed, and maintained responsibly. Systems should be as transparent and explainable as possible while rigorously adhering to data protection, intellectual property (IP) protection, privacy, and fairness. - AI literacy and Skill Development
UEL supports the development of AI literacy and skills among learners and staff, preparing them for an AI-enabled world. This includes providing training and resources for staff to maximise AI's value in teaching and learning. - Equal and Inclusive Access
UEL aims to provide all learners with access to necessary AI tools, ensuring no one is disadvantaged. This includes addressing digital divides and ensuring inclusivity for all students, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. - Human Oversight
UEL ensures that human checks are in place to monitor AI decisions, maintaining the integrity and reliability of AI systems, as well as ensuring authenticity of UEL outputs. - Academic and Professional Integrity
UEL maintains academic and professional integrity with clear guidance on the use of AI in both assessments and professional service outputs. Policies will be developed to prevent malpractice and ensure that both assessments and professional outputs remain fair, rigorous, and of high quality. - Innovate and Collaborate
UEL encourages ethical AI innovation within a safe environment, as well as collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and best practice, both internally and externally.
AI Projects
The following are a selection of significant AI projects running across UEL.
PALA - A Personal AI learning assistant to support students in their day-to-day learning. This project is in collaboration with AWS and will run alongside our Track My Future service to give students timely support. Project lead: David Tann, d.tann@uel.ac.uk.
AI Assessment - We want to empower our lecturers with AI Assessment Assistants and unleash the potential of AI. We will be trialling KEATH.ai to evaluate the benefits of using AI for assessment and feedback. This will allow lecturers to see how the class performed, allowing lecturers to tailor support and students to benchmark their progress. Project lead: David Tann, d.tann@uel.ac.uk.
AI and Metaverse Research Centre - Establishing a Centre of Excellence at UEL to be a leader in the AI field. The centre will build on the existing centres we have in the areas of Fintech and Cybersecurity. The centre will bring together staff to tap into the potential of using AI and Metaverse technologies in their learning and teaching as well as break new grounds in research.
Virtual agent: An AI powered chatbot to improve the speed and quality of our support responses for prospective students. Lead: Donald McLeod, d.mcleod@uel.ac.uk.