Artificial intelligence in teaching and education

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how people learn, work and solve problems. At the University of Leicester, we are helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to use AI effectively, responsibly and critically.

We believe graduates need both AI literacy and the human qualities that technology cannot replace. These include critical thinking, creativity, communication, ethical decision-making and problem-solving. Together, these skills prepare students for a future where understanding and working with AI is becoming increasingly important across many professions and industries.

Developing AI skills and confidence

All Leicester students can access our AI Foundations training module through Blackboard. The module introduces the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and helps students understand:

• What AI is and how it works
• The benefits and opportunities AI can provide
• The limitations and risks of AI technologies
• How to use AI responsibly and ethically

Students are also supported by clear University guidance on the use of AI in learning, teaching and assessment.

Because different subjects, professions and disciplines have different requirements, the use of AI may vary between courses, modules and assessments. Some assessments may allow students to use AI tools to support activities such as research, planning or idea development. Others may restrict or prohibit AI use altogether.

Academic staff provide clear guidance on what is permitted, helping students use AI appropriately while maintaining academic integrity and demonstrating their own knowledge and skills.

Empowering educators through AI

Our vision is to create a learning environment where AI enhances teaching and learning while strengthening the relationship between Leicester academics and students.

We are supporting staff to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to:

• Create more engaging and personalised learning experiences
• Improve access to information, resources and support
• Reduce time spent on routine administrative tasks
• Explore new approaches to curriculum design and assessment
• Identify opportunities to better support student success
• Focus more time on teaching, mentoring and student development

By helping educators use AI effectively and responsibly, we can enhance the student experience and enable staff to concentrate on the activities that have the greatest impact on learning.

Responsible and ethical use of AI in teaching

As AI becomes more powerful and widely used, universities have an important role in helping students understand both its opportunities and its limitations.

The University of Leicester's approach is rooted in:

• Academic integrity
• Ethical practice
• Responsible innovation
• Critical thinking
• Human accountability

We encourage students and staff to evaluate AI critically, understanding where it can add value and where human expertise, judgement and responsibility remain essential.

Issues such as transparency, bias, privacy, intellectual property and trust are becoming increasingly important as AI evolves. We are committed to ensuring these considerations remain central to how AI is used in education at Leicester.

Why human skills remain essential in an AI-enabled world

Our approach to AI is guided by a simple principle: technology should enhance human potential, not replace it.

Alongside developing AI capability, we remain focused on the qualities that define a Leicester education:

• Curiosity
• Critical thinking
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Informed decision-making

We want every Leicester graduate to understand how to work effectively with AI while recognising where human insight, expertise, creativity, and judgement make the greatest difference.