Generative AI as your course materials writing assistant: Is it useful?

Ullmann, Thomas Daniel; Bektik, Duygu; Edwards, Chris; Herodotou, Christothea and Whitelock, Denise (2024). Generative AI as your course materials writing assistant: Is it useful? In: 47th Computer and Learning Research Group Annual Conference (CALRG), 3-5 Jul 2024, Milton Keynes, UK, The Open University.

URL: https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/CALRG/calrg-conferenc...

Abstract

Generative AI, now widely available, is expected to make a significant impact across various sectors, including education. Its core feature, the ability to rapidly produce plausible text on a wide range of topics, and its chat-like interface for content refinement suggest that it may have a role to play in the course content production process. In this presentation, we share insights from our recent investigation. We experimented with the use of generative AI for tasks such as outlining the big questions, creating learning activities, and enhancing inclusivity in materials. We will showcase prompts and discuss the analysis of the responses. Across all tasks, the generative AI produced content that could effectively aid in brainstorming, creating outlines, and adhering to specific writing guidelines. However, it's important to emphasise that the generated content always required adjustments and expert review.