DUMAGUETE CITY – 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.
“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. 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,” Dr. Dave Marcial, director of the GSC and
proponent of the framework said.
According to Marcial, 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.
Marcial explained that AI does not only
streamline the content creation process; it also promotes innovation and
personalization. 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.
SU first presented the AI Framework 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.
“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 added.
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.
What’s in
the AI Framework?
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 noted 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,” Marcial added that in the responsible use of generative
AI, innovation and ethics go hand in hand, where AI enhances lives without
sacrificing values.
SU’s
commitment to digital transformation
The integration of AI in Silliman 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.
“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,” SU President Dr. Betty Cernol McCann said
in the All-University Convocation September last year at the Claire Isabel Luce
Auditorium.
McCann added that digital transformation sits
among the top of her administration’s priorities. 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 Global Studies Center (GSC).
GSC’s developed framework is built around these
principles. The Center has taken the lead in developing 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. Dr. Dave Marcial, explained
the framework to eLearning Point Persons from different colleges and
departments of the University. (Photos: SU/OIP/Google Images)
