Author: Nikki Williamson
Meeting the Challenge: Preparing Lecturers for AI in Assessments
North-West University is a prominent public research institution in South Africa, operating across three campuses in Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. Established in 2004 through the merger of the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and the University of North-West, NWU has become one of the largest universities in the country, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
In line with its dedication to fostering student success and embracing digital transformation, NWU identified the need to empower lecturers with essential skills to navigate AI-driven learning environments, with a focus on assessments. To address this, the university partnered with MMY Solutions to develop the “Artificial Intelligence in Assessment” series of online, self-paced, non-facilitated mini-courses targeted for NWU academic staff.
Co-Creating the AIAS Course Series with NWU
MMY Solutions collaborated closely with NWU to design a comprehensive series of eight self-paced online courses, introducing lecturers to the integration of artificial intelligence in assessments. Each course within the series was designed in such a way that the lecturer could complete the desired section or level independently. The course was meticulously crafted to ensure accessibility and engagement, catering to diverse learning preferences.
Key components of the course included:
- Instructional Design Excellence: Utilisation of the ADDIE methodology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to create a robust educational framework.
- SCORM-Compliant Development: Construction of the course in Articulate Rise, ensuring seamless integration with NWU’s Learning Management System (LMS).
- Interactive Multimedia Elements: Incorporation of engaging videos, AI-generated voiceovers, and interactive graphics to enrich the learning experience.
- Lecturer Centred Assessments: Implementation of practical activities designed to encourage exploration and reinforce understanding while promoting active learning.
- Accessible Navigation: Design of a user-friendly interface, featuring a custom menu to guide lecturers through the course content.
Upon project completion, MMY Solutions handed over all source files to NWU, facilitating future updates and scalability of the course content.
The Difference It’s Making for Lecturers
The Artificial Intelligence in Assessment course series has significantly contributed to:
- Deepened AI Understanding and Skill Development: Lecturers will have a deeper understanding of the integration of AI tools within the assessment process, ensuring assessments are innovative, novel, and aligned with learning outcomes.
- Ethical Awareness: Uphold academic integrity through assessment strategies pitched on the correct level of AI-use, ensuring a continued human-centred approach.
- Scalable and Flexible Learning: The self-paced course series, allowing for independent course completion, accommodates busy academic staff, offering flexibility and accessibility.
- Recognition of Achievement: The issuance of badges upon completion of the different sections or levels provides formal acknowledgement of lecturers’ newly acquired skills.
- Advancement of Digital Transformation: This initiative aligns with NWU’s strategic goals to integrate AI-driven learning experiences into its academic programs.
- Enhanced Creativity and Curiosity: Exploration of innovative ways to integrate AI into formative evaluations.
- Confidence and Empowerment in Implementation: Through hands-on experience and practical strategies, encourage implementation of AI assessment best practices within NWU, contributing to pedagogical advancement in higher education.
Empowering the Future of Teaching at NWU
The collaboration between NWU and MMY Solutions in developing the Artificial Intelligence in Assessment course series exemplifies a successful integration of innovative educational strategies. By providing lecturers with AIAS skills through engaging and accessible content, NWU continues to uphold its commitment to academic excellence and student empowerment.
🎓 Whether you’re developing training content, integrating AI into your teaching, or delivering training online, our expert-designed courses offer practical, self-paced, fully online learning—with certificates upon completion. From mastering the ADDIE model and ethical AI use to launching your first online learning experience, we’ll help you teach smarter and with confidence.
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