SU designs framework for Gen-AI integration in academia

Silliman University (SU), through the Dr. Mariano C. Lao Global Studies Center (GSC), has designed the “Gen-AI Integration Framework in Teaching, Learning, and Operations,” strengthening its commitment to embrace digital transformation that leads to a multitude of innovations.

First presented to the Deans Conference and the Academic Council and then approved by the University’s Board of Trustees, the framework acknowledges Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an educational tool and provides guidelines to ensure that academic integrity, ethical, and responsible use of technology are observed.

Dr. Dave E. Marcial, director of the GSC and proponent of the framework, said, “Establishing an AI framework at Silliman University not only promotes academic excellence but also empowers all stakeholders – administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and the community.”

SU’s framework recognizes AI as a transformative educational technology tool that plays a pivotal role in the classroom, administration, and overall campus ecosystem. It highlights potential advantages of AI in the teaching and learning process, as well as in the operations and management of the University.

In the classroom, AI’s capacity to generate content can be harnessed, especially that as a tool, it can produce content across various media types, including text, images, music, and others.

Marcial said that AI does not only streamline the content creation process; it also promotes innovation and personalization.

“It’s the bridge between human creativity and computational power, offering a dynamic blend of imagination and precision. It’s a means to effortlessly adapt and cater to diverse audiences while keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation,” Marcial said.

Thus, AI has major implications on content production, pedagogical innovations, research, and assessment.

The framework also highlights how AI can be an invaluable asset in SU’s operations and management. Foremost is AI’s capacity to be a “supercharged messenger,” which does not only effectively disseminate information but also customizes it to meet individual needs.

“More importantly, it democratizes information, making it accessible to all, regardless of language, disability, or location. Gen-AI is not just an asset; it’s a revolution in how we connect and communicate,” Marcial explained.

In the framework, AI is seen to be an important writing resource, offering help with proofreading and creativity boosting. Among its tools are grammar and spelling checking, paraphrasing, plagiarism detecting, writing prompts, and others.

Aside from providing writing assistance, AI also extends help in organizing and scheduling tasks; hence, it has the potential to revolutionize school management by efficiently scheduling classes, exams, and resources. This eases administrative burden on teachers, ensuring optimal resource utilization.

AI is also an ideal aide in performing robust data analysis and reporting. It ensures the uncovering of insights and clear communication of findings. Additionally, it safeguards data integrity and compliance.

Marcial, however, admits that AI integration comes with responsibilities, and the framework recommends the contextualization of Gen-AI usage, which means tailoring its application to specific situations, needs, and ethical considerations. This requires identifying goals and purpose, understanding context, considering types of data, developing ethical framework, among others.

Aside from contextualization, validation is also necessary to ensure quality and accountability. This may include risk assessment, bias and fairness assessment, among others.

The framework also emphasizes responsible use as a compass for the users of AI. Marcial said that it is a commitment to ethics, transparency, and accountability, adding that responsibility is not a static concept.

“It’s a continual process of monitoring, adapting, and learning. It’s a collaboration between technology creators, users, and society at large. In the responsible use of generative AI, we forge a path to future where innovation and ethics go hand in hand, where AI enhances our lives without sacrificing our values,” Marcial said.

The integration of AI in SU aims to embrace technological advancements that increase productivity, personalized learning, enriched educational experience, better customer and support, better work-balance, and heightened valuing of innovation.

 

SU’s commitment to digital transformation

Under the leadership of SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann, digital transformation sits among the top of her administration’s priorities. In fact, in her first term alone, SU’s adoption of digital technology surged, leading to various endeavors like ongoing training and advancement programs for faculty and staff, modernization efforts at the SU Library through digitization, the digitalization of university procedures, and the establishment of the GSC.

During the All-University Convocation on September 13, 2023 at the Claire Isabel Luce Auditorium, Dr. McCann articulated how the use of AI has posed many challenges in higher education. Since the use of AI is inevitable, she said that a university framework is needed.

“There is a call for a university framework on the use of AI technology that reflects key principles that embark on a program that will help both students and teaching staff to become AI literate; equip faculty and staff to help students to use generative AI tools appropriately; adapt teaching and assessment to incorporate the ‘ethical use’ use of AI and ensure equal access to it; ensure academic integrity is upheld; and share best practice as the technology evolves,” she  said.

GSC’s developed framework is built around these principles. The Center has taken the lead in developing an implementing policies and guidelines that prioritize the establishment of classroom policies aligned with the approved framework. On February 29, 2024, representatives designated as eLearning Point Persons from each college and department convened for a workshop focused on drafting these policies.