Generative AI in Education
The Generative AI in Education SIG explores the applications, opportunities, and challenges of using Gen AI tools within educational contexts. The SIG will provide a platform for discussion and collaboration for any staff member with a role related to education. Anyone is free to join our Teams site - whether you are actively involved in Gen AI projects or not - where we will share the latest news, updates and events. In our SIG meetings, the discussion will focus on active projects in developing, implementing, or researching Gen AI tools for use in education.
Examples of topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Custom GPTs and chatbots in modules - how can chatbots and custom GPTs be built and integrated into modules to support student learning.
- Using LLMs in coding courses - exploring how large language models can be used to teach coding, including providing real-time code suggestions while ensuring intended learning outcomes are met.
- Building AI tools for education: code, infrastructure, and collaboration – working together to create robust AI tools that enhance learning and teaching experiences.
- Open-source AI tools and platforms in education – investigating how open-source AI technologies can create scalable, customizable educational solutions and be shared across the University.
- Evaluation and educational research - what impact does the use of Gen AI have on student learning; attitudes of staff and students to Gen AI, etc.
This year, the SIG is co-lead by:
Caroline Clewley (I Explore Lead and STEMM Module Stream Lead - CLCC)
Emma Blyth (Senior Instructional Designer & AI Futurist)
Coco Nijhoff (Senior Teaching Fellow (Library Services))
Meeting Schedule:
We convene once a term to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute. These meetings serve as a forum for lively discussions, presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
Communication Channels:
Our primary communication platform is Microsoft Teams. Here, you'll find updates on upcoming events (General Channel).
If you would like to join a SIG, please complete this form to be added to the mailing list. You will then be informed about future activities.
Meeting history
Agenda
1. SIG purpose & possible format
2. Menti Poll
3. Discussion of projects & interests
4. Decision on future meetings
Summary
We discussed the purpose of the SIG, and attendees introduced themselves, sharing their interests. The Business School IDEA Lab from Imperial demonstrated digital avatars of lecturers in online modules, followed by an in-depth discussion. We agreed that future SIG meetings will begin with 30 minutes of face-to-face lunch and networking, followed by a hybrid hour focused on project discussions and updates. Additionally, spin-off meetings, such as journal clubs, may be organized and will be advertised via the Teams site.
Summary
The meeting began with half an hour of in-person lunch and networking. Participants represented a broad range of educational contexts at Imperial, including academic departments, CLCC, CHERS, Centre for Academic English and Library Services. After lunch, the meeting continued for an hour in hybrid format. Elena Forasacco from ECRI (Early Career Researcher Institute) presented the course “Generative AI in the Research Project”. This course is designed to support PhD students in applying generative AI responsibly in their work. After an in-depth discussion on Elena's presentation, attendees shared updates on their own current projects as well as the latest initiatives around the University, with discussion focussed on practical applications and future directions of the use of Gen AI in Education.
Summary
In June we held our first in-person reading group, bringing together colleagues from across Imperial to reflect on accountability, authorship, and the shifting role of academic work in the age of generative AI.
- Our discussion was anchored by two texts:
M. Compton’s AI positions: Where do you stand? (HEducationist blog, Dec 2024)
D. Kwon’s Is it OK for AI to write scientific papers? (Nature, May 2025)
We also drew on E. Mollick’s The best available human standard (One Useful Thing, Mar 2025) as further reading.
The mix of perspectives sparked thoughtful debate. It was an energising start to what we hope will become a regular space for open, critical conversations.
Sign Up
If you are interested in receiving the Learning and Teaching Newsletter, please email education.office@imperial.ac.uk .
You can also view the issue archive online.
