A Think Tank to Explore the Challenges Presented by Gen AI in a Final Year Research Project
SATLE Logo
A SATLE Funded Project
Project Title: A Think Tank to Explore the Challenges Presented by Gen AI in a Final Year Research Project
Themes: Digital Transformation
Team Member(s): Tara Concannon-Gibney
Faculty/Audience: LLECE/ AEM/ TEU
Aims/Objectives: This initiative aimed to address the pressing challenges posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in academic research, particularly in the context of final year Research Projects for BEd Primary and PME Primary programmes. We designed and facilitated a ‘think tank’ event in June 2024 that explored the challenges of Gen AI in a final year research project module. All staff teaching on the BEd and PMEP programmes within the IoEwere invited to participate in the event. It was chaired by Clare Gormley (TEU) and supported by Samatha Zu (TEU). A student ambassador also joined us to provide a student voice at the event.
Project input received from:
Clare Gormley
Teaching Enhancement Unit
clare.gormley@dcu.ie
Dr Francis Ward
School of Arts Education & Movement, (IoE)
francis.ward@dcu.ie
Samantha Xu
Teaching Enhancement Unit
samantha.xu@dcu.ie
The aim of the ‘think tank’ was to generate recommendations around the use of Gen AI in the final year research project, drawing on existing Gen AI resources created by the TEU. Additionally, the project sought to explore alternative learning outcomes and assessment formats less susceptible to GenAI misuse, while aligning with Céim Standards (2020) as set down by The Teaching Council. This project will provided a forum for a focused discussion on the research projects and the role of Gen AI within a traditional dissertation and how this might be appropriately managed through creative and innovative solutions emerging from the think tank.
Following on from the event, the module coordinators refined and reviewed the recommendations in order to present them to the tutor group at a CPD session in June and explore the adjustments required for the next iteration of the module in 2024/25 academic year.
-The recommendations were put into practice in the 2024/25 academic year and will be reviewed in summer 2025.
Interview recording to follow