The TEQSA toolkit on generative AI strategies for Australian higher education, released in November 2024, provides a comprehensive framework for institutions navigating the challenges and opportunities of AI integration. This emerging practice guide addresses three critical dimensions: Process, People, and Practice. The toolkit emerges from TEQSA’s June 2024 request for institutional action plans addressing gen AI risks to award integrity, reflecting a 100% response rate from providers.
The document’s significance lies in its practical approach, showcasing actual actions Australian providers have implemented or are working towards in their institutional strategies. The toolkit emphasises the dual challenge of ensuring graduates can use AI tools ethically while maintaining academic integrity. It recognises that while gen AI presents risks to traditional assessment methods, its increasing workplace presence necessitates preparing students for ethical and practical tool use. The guide is a starting point for institutions’ ongoing journey in adapting to AI technologies.
Process
The toolkit outlines a comprehensive governance framework for managing generative AI in Australian higher education. Its emphasis on institutional strategy development, risk assessment, and working groups demonstrates a maturing approach to addressing AI’s challenges. The toolkit’s focus on self-assurance measures and quality frameworks is particularly relevant for maintaining academic integrity. A notable strength is the recognition that gen AI strategies must be endorsed by governing bodies and integrated into existing governance structures, ensuring proper oversight and resource allocation. The toolkit recommends regular review cycles to keep pace with rapidly evolving AI technologies, acknowledging that strategies can quickly become outdated.
People
The toolkit’s treatment of stakeholder engagement across academic staff, students, and industry partners reflects a holistic understanding of the AI challenge. The emphasis on supporting staff and student development through targeted training modules and resources is crucial. It recognises that individual knowledge of AI tools varies widely and advocates fostering a continuous learning culture. Including professional accreditation bodies and industry, perspectives ensure that graduate capabilities align with workplace expectations. The toolkit’s recommendation for student co-creation of AI strategies is particularly forward-thinking. It acknowledges that students can provide critical feedback on current AI tool usage patterns.
Practice
The practice section offers valuable insights for learning professionals, particularly concerning assessment security and transformation. The toolkit recognises that no single assessment type can effectively demonstrate all learning outcomes or support every appropriate use of AI. It emphasises programmatic assessment approaches, where tasks are interconnected and developed throughout a course, providing a strong framework for continuous learning advancement. This ensures that key units in the course are both valid and secure from unauthorised AI use (and some STEM providers quoted identify hurdle assessments and high-stakes examinations as essential security measures). It advocates for a holistic view of assessment systems across entire programs rather than focusing solely on individual units (except when they are vulnerable units and may need review). Its emphasis on transforming assessment practices while upholding academic integrity offers practical guidance for institutions as they navigate the challenges presented by AI.
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