'Why We Need to Adapt AI Use in Our Curriculum'

'Why We Need to Adapt AI Use in Our Curriculum'

11/21/2024 - 16:30

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education, equipping students with the skills and ethical understanding required for a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Mariana Chinellato Ferreira, Lecturer at the academy for Built Environment and Logistics, and PhD candidate at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, contributes significantly to these efforts.
Data Science & AI
  • Expertise
  • Student work

One standout initiative comes from the Logistics Management programme, where first-year students are tasked with writing scholarly articles on trends and innovations in the logistics sector. This assignment introduces students to tools like Microsoft Copilot, which assist with outlining, summarising, refining text, and translating sources. Transparency is key: students must clearly indicate which parts of their work are AI-generated and provide proper citations.

According to Mariana Chinellato Ferreira, these assignments are designed not only to teach the technical application of AI tools but also to foster critical thinking about their ethical implications. "Understanding how to use AI effectively is important," she notes, "but recognising the ethical challenges and broader societal impact is essential for responsible engagement."

BUas supports students with comprehensive feedback workshops, enabling them to ask questions on everything from APA citation formatting to navigating ethical dilemmas in AI-assisted work. These sessions are critical in helping students balance creativity, academic rigour, and responsible technology use.

The logistics sector is particularly relevant for such initiatives. As the industry increasingly adopts AI and applied data science to optimise processes, the assignments mirror real-world applications, giving students practical experience. "This alignment with industry trends ensures that BUas graduates are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future," Ferreira adds.

Building on this foundation, BUas has introduced Copilot orientation workshops for second- and third-year students. These workshops emphasise the importance of ethical and critical AI usage, highlighting proper attribution and compliance with academic standards.

A testament to the programme's success is the high-quality work produced by students, such as an exceptional article by Ted van de Spijker, which earned a perfect score. Such achievements underline the value of BUas's approach, combining traditional academic principles with cutting-edge technology.

BUas continues to lead by example, ensuring that all students and staff understand and engage with AI responsibly. This commitment aligns with its mission to prepare graduates for impactful careers in a world increasingly shaped by technological and ethical complexities.