Coding Essentials: Extending Our Web-App to New Programmers

Anxiety around the use of GenAI in education has been widely discussed and communities of practice (such as that at SETU) have sought to find solutions for the integration of GenAI, and/or alternative modes of assessment in many subjects across a variety of disciplines. Solutions to the problem of assessment have included abolishing essays, utilising oral discussions and interviews with students and working alongside GenAI to create solutions to pre-defined problems. However, there has been little focus on use of GenAI in Arts or theory-based subjects that have traditionally relied upon text-based assessment and which may attract significant numbers of students. Within these cohorts, writing and critical thinking skills may be deeply embedded in the learning outcomes, and there may not be the facility to conduct oral discussions with every student in a large group. This proposal seeks to establish a set of tools and ideas for the integration of GenAI for lecturers with large groups of students, particularly in Arts-based subjects. This initiative is aligned to the third strategic priority of the National Forum in its effort to establish best practice in tackling issues of academic integrity when dealing with large groups. In so doing, it will also align with the first and second pillars, as best practice involves returning to principles of pedagogy and student engagement that employ multiple facilitation methods that benefit all types of learners, and empower students to engage with and harness GenAI tools during their coursework.