Learning and teaching together: Using artificial intelligence (AI) in discussion boards

Authors and presenters*

• Allison James, Australian Maritime College, CoSE*

• Carey Mather, School of Nursing, CoHM*

• Tracy Douglas, School of Health Sciences

Abstract

In an evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), educators are responsible for coaching students to be digitally literate as work-ready graduates. Online discussion brings together educators and learners with diverse perspectives and experiences: providing an industry-relevant framework for learning. As educators from different disciplines, we endeavour to design interactive opportunities for student engagement and uphold best practice learning and teaching through asynchronous online discussion boards. Students studying in our disciplines need to engage in disciplinary knowledge and connect understanding to skills and critical thinking required in their future workplaces.

Academics and students can benefit from using AI tools responsibly and authentically in teaching and learning, and in preparation for work-readiness. The maritime industry includes ship and shore-based services; blue and white collar, professional, technical and defense personnel: presenting a delightful complexity of online network opportunities. Maritime graduands will use AI in their workplaces, so embracing AI is a valid educational strategy.

Our Lightning presentation will provide examples from the maritime discipline demonstrating how to inform and model AI usage as part of a new and vibrant education paradigm, focusing on intelligently revitalising asynchronous discussion boards. Using AI, decision-making in both teaching and assessment strategies is highlighted: demonstrating how diverse student cohorts become learning partners. This presentation is relevant to the broader UTAS community: providing an illustration of interdisciplinary peer learning and enhanced quality of student experiences, in a timely and relevant learning environment.