GenAI in Teaching and Learning Symposium

As generative AI continues to impact higher education, UBC faculty across both Vancouver and Okanagan campuses are thoughtfully exploring its implications for teaching and learning. Join us for a day of critical discussion, evidence sharing, and collaborative learning about the opportunities and challenges that Generative AI presents in our academic environment.

This full-day symposium welcomes faculty, instructors, and educational leaders interested in developing a deeper understanding of GenAI’s impact on teaching and learning at UBC. This event offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and engage with peers on this evolving topic.

Highlight:

9:00 a.m.: Opening Panel: Moderated by UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon, exploring fundamental questions about Generative AI’s role in higher education and its implications for teaching excellence with panelists:

• Vered Shwartz, Assistant Professor, Computer Science
• Muhammad Abdul-Mageed, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, School of Information
• Bryce Traister, Dean, Creative & Critical Studies, UBC Okanagan
• Kurtis Wilkinson, VP, NinjaTech AI
• Naznin Virji-Babul, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
• Kamil Kanji, Co-Chair, UBC GenAI Advisory Committee

Over the day’s sessions, facilitators will guide the conversation to examine critical questions such as:

• How do we navigate the tension between innovation and maintaining core educational values?
• How do we preserve human connection and meaningful student engagement in an AI-enabled classroom?
• How do we thoughtfully integrate GenAI while preserving academic integrity and student learning?
• What have we learned from early adoption experiences?
• How are students actually using these tools, and what does this mean for our teaching practices?
• What are the ethical implications and potential risks of normalizing AI use in higher education?
• Where do we go from here as these technologies become increasingly embedded in digital learning environments?

This virtual event is hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT).