Artificial intelligence in higher education learning: transferable skills and academic integrity

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70770/vrz6qe26

Keywords:

generative AI, Pedagogical practices, learning and teaching, higher education, engineering

Abstract

The advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, presents significant and transformative challenges in higher education teaching and learning, such as assessment and evaluation practices. While this is acknowledged, there has been very little research into what this might look like in daily practice in higher education. This study explored these challenges in one area of higher education practice: developing students’ transferable skills, including writing, critical thinking, and information literacy among undergraduate engineering students at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Using a cohort comparison design, this study evaluated the impact of ChatGPT on students' attainment of transferable skills. The effectiveness of AI tools in enhancing educational outcomes was assessed with a standardised assessment framework used by independent assessors to grade students’ reports. The results, analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the intraclass correlation coefficient, revealed significant improvements in critical thinking and information literacy among those students who used ChatGPT. The study also explored the ethical implications of using AI in educational settings and highlighted the need for rigorous academic standards and the implementation of measures to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies. While the preliminary findings suggest that AI tools, particularly ChatGPT in this study, can positively impact certain students’ skills, more detailed and controlled studies are necessary to validate these results and explore further the mechanisms through which AI tools influence learning and skill development.

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Author Biographies

  • Toh Yen Pang, RMIT University

    Toh Yen Pang is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. He has prior industrial experience in product design and development. He is currently the Deputy Head (L&T) Biomedical Engineering Department and Program Manager of Biomedical Engineering (Honours) degree. He has contributed to the implementation of various teaching and learning projects. His educational research focuses on assessment in higher education and ways to improve teaching.

  • Alexandra Kootsookos, RMIT University

    Alexandra Kootsookos is Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering at RMIT University. She is a Materials Engineer, with expertise in Cast Irons, Polymer blends and Advanced Composite structures. She is currently the Deputy Head of Department (L&T) Mechanical, Manufacturing & Mechatronics and Program Manager for the Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) degree and has taught and developed courses with significant teamwork components. Her research focuses on assessment for learning, feedback and accreditation.

  • Ben Cheng, RMIT University

    Dr Chi-Tsun Cheng (Ben) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering at the School of Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. Dr Cheng is currently the Academic Lead - Research Development at the School of Engineering, and he is also one of the leads of the RMIT Digitalisation Network under the RMIT Enabling Impact Platforms [Link]. 

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2025-03-04

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