There is limited data on the attitudes and perceptions of academic staff and professional services staff to the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in Higher Education (HE) contexts, with most of the data focusing on students’ views of GenAI. This research project will therefore explore the attitudes and perceptions of academic and professional services staff, as well as of students, to the integration of GenAI in academic settings. Furthermore, while the sector has primarily focused on the implications for academic integrity, this study proposes a broader examination of education, including instructional methodologies and delivery approaches.
This study will adopt a sequential exploratory mixed methods design involving a qualitative phase (focus groups with stakeholders across partner institutions) and a quantitative phase (survey to assess the most commonly held views on the use of GenAI).
It is intended that this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators to foster an inclusive, evidence-based approach to decision-making on the use of GenAI in HE.
Collaborative Development Fund 2023-24
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Project outputs
All of the project outputs can be found here and includes the following outputs:
Research Report
This research project aimed to fill this gap by conducting research across a range of HE institutions to gather data on the attitudes and perceptions of students, academic staff, and professional services staff towards the use of GenAI in education.
Resource cards
A set of resource cards to support institutional conversations on the potential and actual uses of GenAI and the perceptions of it.
Infographic
An infographic of key project findings for use by universities to brief key stakeholders.
Dataset
The full dataset used to produce the report, available on the University of Aberdeen’s website.
Project team
Professor Kirsty Kiezebrink
Dean for Educational Innovation, University of Aberdeen
Kirsty leads on the University’s approach to GenAI in learning and teaching. She is engaged in pedagogic research on GenAI and is the project lead.
Dr Sara Preston
Head of eLearning, Centre for Academic Development, University of Aberdeen
Sara works closely with Professor Kirsty Kiezebrink on the University’s approach to GenAI in learning and teaching, and together have produced guidance, facilitated institutional discussions and influenced policy changes.
Rosemarie McIlwhan
Associate Professor of Digital Pedagogies and Practices, Heriot-Watt University
Rosemarie leads on the Heriot-Watt approach to the use of GenAI in learning and teaching, including providing staff and student support, and chairing the University’s AI in learning and teaching sub-group.
Dr Louise Drumm
Associate Professor, Edinburgh Napier University
Louise has been leading Edinburgh Napier University’s response to GenAI, including staff and student guidance, training and development. She has also led and disseminated widely on research on student experiences of GenAI, including co-researching and co-authoring with students.
Natalie Lafferty
Head of the Centre for Technology and Innovation in Learning (CTIL), Library Learning Culture and Information, University of Dundee
Natalie is leading the development of Dundee’s approach to GenAI, providing guidance, staff development and co-ordinating the University’s AI Advisory Group.
