In light of the prevalence of Canadian students utilizing generative AI tools for academic tasks, a growing number of educators are integrating artificial intelligence into their university classes. They are establishing clear guidelines and promoting responsible use of AI among students, emphasizing critical thinking. This shift requires instructors to adapt their teaching methods and evaluation approaches as institutions typically leave AI implementation decisions to individual faculty members.
University professors are incorporating AI into their curriculum and guiding students on its appropriate utilization. For instance, Antonello Callimaci, an accounting professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal, has created an AI “teaching assistant” named Bobby. Bobby assists students by providing quick responses based on the professor’s course materials and directing them back to Callimaci for further clarification.
Similarly, political science professor Joseph Wong at the University of Toronto has revamped his teaching strategies to engage students amidst the AI era. He now encourages students to interact with AI through “reaction dialogues” following their readings, fostering deeper engagement with the course material.
Meanwhile, Sidney Shapiro, an assistant professor at the University of Lethbridge, leverages AI and machine learning tools to enhance lesson plans, making learning more interactive and relevant. He emphasizes foundational skills such as critical thinking and transparent AI usage, ensuring students grasp the material effectively.
Maggie McDonnell, an instructor at Concordia University, integrates AI across her courses and collaborates with students to establish AI policies for assignments. She acknowledges that while some students may view AI as a shortcut, those in career-focused classes appreciate the ethical and effective use of AI. McDonnell continuously reviews assessment methods and learning objectives to adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
Educators are challenged to balance traditional teaching practices with AI integration, fostering a learning environment where students engage with the material thoughtfully and ethically. By reimagining teaching approaches and reassessing evaluation criteria, instructors aim to cultivate a culture of responsible AI utilization and critical learning skills among students.
