An introduction to using AI at Ulster University

4 min

Since the launch of ChatGPT in late November 2022, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education has sparked extensive debate and discussion. In Spring 2023, Ulster University established an AI working group to explore the potential impact of AI on its staff and students. The outputs of this panel of academics and technologists provide a framework for students and staff to utilise AI in their teaching and learning.

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Images generated using Imagine.Art from the prompt lecturer at Ulster University (Imagine AI, 2025)

This post is written to give a brief introduction to the use of AI in the university and to provide an overview of the university’s framework.

 

What is AI?

AI refers to the development of computer programs that are trained on data to perform complex tasks autonomously. Generative AI (Gen AI.) is a subset of AI that refers to programs that generates new content, when prompted. Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are examples of AI programs trained to perform text-based tasks such as interpretation, translation, and composition. Image-generation tools such as Stable Diffusion and Imagine.Art are trained to refine, edit, style or generate new images and video.

How does it work?

AI programs are trained on large datasets, using neural networks to ‘learn’ and ‘recognise' patterns. They undergo further training to identify and respond to similar patterns in new data. For instance the transcription feature in Microsoft Teams is an example of AI, the transcription software is trained to recognise the sound of words, it then responds by outputting the text associated with that sound. The Generative AI within the transcription software provides additional functionality such as analysis of the text. The transcription software does not 'understand’ the meaning of these words rather it just recognises the patterns of sound and retrieves the text associated with those sounds.

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Simplified view of the development of an AI model

 

Where do I find AI?

In online tools such as ChatGPT, Otter, Google, Claude, Midjourney, Dall-E, Krea, Imagine.art, Deepseek, Grammarly and Canva and in university software such as MS Word, MS Teams (CoPilot) and Adobe Photoshop (Firefly).

 

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using AI?

AI technology is in its experimental phase and its long term impact is unknown. However the potential benefits within HE include simpler workflows, reduced workload, increased accessibility, resource optimisation and tailored learning. Some of the potential negative effects of AI use include perpetuating bias, reinforcing inequality, over-reliance on technology, data insecurity and high energy consumption. See our article on using AI critically

 

Ulster University’s position on the use of AI

Ulster University acknowledges the growing use of AI by both staff and students, recognising that AI literacy is a crucial workplace skill. It is committed to supporting the informed, ethical, and responsible use of AI tools among its staff and students and will therefore:

  • Promote the equitable, ethical and inclusive use of AI for education to benefit staff and students

  • Encourage a balanced approach to AI adoption that uses AI as complementary tools while recognising their benefits and limitations (see Using AI critically*)

  • Provide training and support for staff and students in AI literacy and ensure graduates are prepared for the AI-driven workplace (see Using AI for Coursework)

  • Mitigate the risk of AI misuse in assessment by:

    • Endorsing and embedding the principle of academic integrity

    • integrating AI technologies to enhance learning outcomes, and develop critical thinking, digital literacy and analytical skills

    • measuring holistic competencies such as creativity, leadership and teamwork

    • promote the appropriate attribution of AI technologies in student work (See citing and referencing Gen. AI)

  • Encourage the development of School-based innovations in AI for education to ensure it meets the specific needs of various disciplines (see AI communities of practice*)

  • Encourage pilot projects to test and evaluate the use of AI in education and to build and share an evidence base for its effectiveness (see AI communities of practice*)

  • Continually review and maintain policies, codes of practice, standards, and procedures for protecting University information ( see Ulster University Gen. AI pages)

 

Ulster University resources

 

Further Reading

IBM AI explainers - A range of articles explaining different aspects of AI technology

 

References

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Centre for Digital Learning Enhancement
ulster.ac.uk/learningengancement/cdle