Collaborating with Generative AI: Practical Tips for Academic Writing and Research

Intro

Date: 25 February 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m. GST

In this course, you will discover the transformative power of generative AI. Dive into what AI literacy truly means and explore how generative AI can enhance your academic writing and research. Gain insights into the ethical considerations of AI use and leave with some actionable tips to build your AI literacy and unlock new potential in your academic journey.

What You'll Learn

1.    AI and generative AI
2.    AI literacy
3.    Using generative AI in your teaching, writing, and research
4.    Ethical issues associated with using generative AI
5.    Building your own AI literacy

Who It's For

This course is best suited for higher education professionals with limited experience using generative AI in higher education contexts.

Get Prepared

There is no preparatory work necessary for this course.

Course Expert(s)

Dr Lynette Pretorius

Dr Lynette Pretorius is an award-winning educator and researcher in the fields of academic language, literacy, research skills, and research methodologies. She has experience teaching undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate research students, including supervising PhD students. Lynette is the author of multiple journal articles and two academic books focused on the experiences of graduate research students in academia. She has qualifications in Medicine, Science, Education, as well as Counselling, and her research interests include doctoral education, academic identity, student wellbeing, AI literacy, and autoethnography. Lynette is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy – an international honour awarded to educators who demonstrate a thorough understanding of, and a strong commitment to, teaching and learning approaches which foster high-quality student learning.

Programme

Learn the Basics of AI is the first course in the Professional AI Use in Higher Education programme. The course provides an introduction to using AI in the workplace to increase efficiency and productivity. It includes applying the AI literacy framework, ethical considerations for using AI in professional work, and developing a plan to collaborate with AI on professional tasks.

The Professional AI Use in Higher Education programme supports professionals as they navigate becoming effective AI collaborators. From learning basic definitions of AI to creating goals to become the AI subject matter expert in the office, this programme supports professionals in university settings and beyond in:
• understanding and increasing AI literacy,
• incorporating AI into daily tasks,
• recognising the impact of AI at the organisational and societal levels,
• developing ethical standards for AI use,
• and creating plans to continue AI learning.

The Professional AI Use in Higher Education programme includes the following courses:

1. Learn the Basics of AI

2. Develop Your Professional AI Use

3. Thrive in an AI-Enhanced Professional Environment