1. Closed Book Exams

Welcome to the season-in-review episode. Thank you for coming along on this journey with us where UCD engineering students investigate AI use in university assessments.In this episode, Ashly Antony and Derin Gurman review the main highlights from each episode, as well as some tips and tricks for those of you who have been inspired to try to use AI a little bit more in your life.Happy listening and if you found this podcast insightful, please do like, share and subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the blurred lines between using AI as a helpful tool for research and crossing into plagiarism in individual assignments. On one hand, AI can streamline research and enhance learning but also raises concerns about diminishing critical thinking and the risk of over-reliance.Hosts: Bharath Radharkrishnan, Harinee Shanmugam and Xinzhi Zhang (Masters in Manufacturing)Producer: Derin Gurman – Masters Data Science and AIAs part of the research for this episode, interviews were conducted with Dr. Di Nguyen and Professor Joe Houghton.Don't forget to like, share and subscribe!Rudolph, J., Tan, S. and Tan, S., 2023. ChatGPT: Bullshit spewer or the end of traditional assessments in higher education?. Journal of applied learning and teaching, 6(1), pp.342-363.Vittorini, P., Menini, S. and Tonelli, S., 2021. An AI-based system for formative and summative assessment in data science courses. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 31(2), pp.159-185.How can artificial intelligence assist teachers with formative and summative assessment? (2023) Available at: https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/insights/news/how-can-artificial-intelligence-assist-assessment#:~:text=Teachers%20can%20use%20artificial%20intelligence,time%20spent%20on%20grading%20tasks. (Accessed: 18 April 2024). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode examines the unique power of reflective assignments (journals, logs diaries), which, when done properly, require the genuine thoughts and feelings of students—something AI can’t truly replicate. However, the discussion also acknowledges the risk of AI being used to craft reflections. Listen in for a nuanced exploration of how reflection fosters critical thinking and how oral presentations may help preserve academic integrity in the AI era.Hosts: Joe Biju, Ali Khan and Moaz Refaei (Stage 1 General Engineering)Producers: Anrai Lawlor and Ray Fosal (Stage 1 General Engineering)As part of the research for this episode, interviews were conducted with Dr. Paul Cuffe, an Assistant Professor at UCD, and Aldan Creo, a technology research specialist at Accenture Labs in Dublin.Jaiswal, A. et al. (2021) ‘Supporting student reflective practices through modelling-based learning assignments’, European Journal of Engineering Education, 46(6), pp. 987–1006. doi: 10.1080/03043797.2021.1952164.Don't forget to like, share and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores how AI is changing group projects and assessments. We discuss tools like Otter.ai and Thesify.ai, which can enhance collaboration but also pose challenges in maintaining authentic student work. Tune in to learn how AI impacts the dynamics of group assignments and what it means for the future of university assessments.Hosts and Writers: Amy Lawrence (Stage 4 Structural Engineering) and Palakshi Rattan (Stage 4 Elec Engineering)Producer: Ashly Antony - Masters in Sustainable TechnologyProduction Coordinator: Anirudh Krishnamurthysurya - Masters in Food EngineeringDon't forget to like, share and subscribe!Resources:Otter.ai - A tool used for recording and transcribing meetings, which can be helpful in group projects. [https://otter.ai]Thesify.ai - A tool that assists in generating work plans, structuring papers, and evaluating them, particularly useful for group work. [https://www.thesify.ai]Notion - An organisational tool that includes AI features for summarising data, brainstorming, and tracking participation in group projects. [https://www.notion.so]Tom's Planner - An AI tool that generates Gantt charts for project management. [https://www.tomsplanner.com] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores how COVID-19 led to a rapid shift to online exams, prompting educators to adapt their assessment strategies. We discuss the challenges posed by AI in maintaining academic integrity and whether AI tools should be viewed as cheating or valuable resources.Hosts: Alex Brady and Hassan Khan (Stage 4 Engineering Science)Guest: Dr Lollie ManceyResearchers: Anthony Salib, Nabeel Olusekun and Stephen Alenkhe.Don't forget to like, share and subscribe!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the impact of AI on lab report writing, highlighting its benefits and challenges for students. Discover how AI tools can streamline data analysis and support non-native English speakers in crafting better reports.Hosts: Conor Murphy, Leo Jennings and Thomas O’Brien (1st Year General Engineering)Producer: Caitlin Hetherton – (1st Year General Engineering)As part of the research for this episode interviews were conducted with Dr. Morgan Fraser and Dr. Nuala Caffrey (who oversees 3rd and 4th year physics computational labs), and Dr. Tom Hooper, the module coordinator for 1st Year Chemistry for Engineers. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the evolving role of AI in academic assessments, particularly its impact on closed-book exams. The discussion covers how closed-book exams help prevent AI-assisted cheating, the potential future integration of AI tools in exams, and the challenges of using AI for grading, including concerns about reliability and fairness. Tune in to understand the future of education in the AI era.Hosts: Thomas Doyle, Thomas O’Dea and Tara Cullinane (3rd Year Elec. Engineering)Producer: Eoin RyanProduction Coordinator: Cathal O’GreagoirDon't forget to like, share and subscribe!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hottest topic this year in our university is generative artificial intelligence and its use in assessments. In Season 1 of this podcast, we're giving a voice to engineering and architecture students to share their views on AI and Assessment. Many students will remember the stress of doing closed-book invigilated exams in big exam halls that are far too warm in summer and far too cold in winter. Others will remember sitting online exams during Covid, when you know everyone else could be cheating.There are many different forms of assessment used at UCD, and they all have their pros and cons. We've dedicated a full episode to six forms of assessment: (1) closed book exams (2) reflective assignments, (3) online exams, (4) lab reports, (5) individual assignments and (6) group projects. Our students have put a huge amount of work into gathering facts and figures and viewpoints from academics, librarians, industry professionals and other students. The means the podcast will contain all sorts of discussions, debates, contrasting views, candid admissions and innovative ideas. So stay tuned to hear what we have to say. We even have a special final episode that will review the main highlights from the season, as well as tips and tricks.So if you like what you hear, please like, share and subscribe and happy listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.