The Centre for Quality Promotion and Assurance (CQPA) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently had the privilege of hosting a highly insightful and engaging workshop on the impact and implications of AI for DUT assessment practices, expertly facilitated by Professor Sioux McKenna, Professor of Higher Education Studies at Rhodes University. The workshop provided invaluable guidance and fostered rich discussions among DUT staff involved in teaching, learning and assessment.
Prof McKenna is a distinguished academic with a profound impact on higher education. Her extensive research and publications focus on crucial aspects of teaching and learning in higher education, curriculum development, and postgraduate studies. Her expertise is widely recognised, making her an authoritative voice in understanding and navigating the evolving landscape of education, particularly with the advent of new technologies like AI.
The workshop provided a comprehensive exploration of AI (Large Language Models) addressing both its transformative potential and the critical challenges it presents to academic integrity and pedagogical practices. Prof McKenna delved into the significant breakthroughs in AI, discussing the vast possibilities and innovative applications it offers across different fields. There were thought-provoking discussions, with participants reflecting on the fundamental purpose of higher education in an era increasingly shaped by AI. They also explored the negative consequences of over-reliance on AI, including examining the risks of cognitive offloading and its potential impact on critical thinking skills, and addressing the issues of AI-generated misinformation (“hallucinations”) and inherent algorithmic biases.
Participants engaged in a collaborative session to rethink and redesign assessment strategies to maintain academic integrity in a world where AI tools are readily available, categorising tasks based on AI applicability. The workshop concluded with a vital discussion on the ethical responsibilities of educators in modelling appropriate AI use and equipping students with the skills and understanding needed to navigate an AI-saturated future responsibly.
Participants left the workshop with a deeper understanding of AI’s implications, practical strategies for integrating AI thoughtfully into their teaching, and a reinforced commitment to fostering ethical AI use within the DUT community. The university extends its sincere gratitude to Prof Sioux McKenna for her insightful guidance and invaluable contribution to this crucial conversation.
Pictured: Delegates in attendance at the workshop.
Dr Paulette Powell
