Hands-on LLM with Academics: Where Do We Draw the Line on Productivity?

Dr Adebowale Owoseni and Dr Abiodun Egbetokun, De Montfort University On June 21, 2023, we conducted a workshop in collaboration with the Centre for Academic Innovation and Teaching Excellence (CAITE) at DMU. Unlike previous discussions on the theoretical implications of Large Language Models (LLMs) for academics, this workshop focused on the practical application of ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2023) in teaching and learning. Rather than just considering ChatGPT from a student's perspective and how to ensure students do not game academic quality, we explored how academics can utilize it to enhance their own productivity and streamline administrative tasks associated with teaching and learning. During the workshop, participants engaged with ChatGPT and discovered that it is indeed possible to leverage the tool to reduce time spent on tasks such as creating rubrics, proofreading text, personalizing student feedback, and developing teaching and learning plans. However, some important questions arise: where should we draw the line between productivity and potential intellectual dependence from an academic's perspective? Whose productivity is being enhanced, that of the LLM or the higher education (HE) professional? In light of ongoing debates around the potential bias associated with AI and the need for its decolonisation (Adams, 2021; Murphy and Largacha-Martínez, 2022), it is also crucial to discuss the ethical applications of AI in higher education teaching and research. On this premise, we purpose a workshop for Reimagining Higher Education conference to engage a broader academic audience and present practical use cases for LLMs, sparking further conversation and reflection. The feedback gathered could help inform a larger policy framework within the university and beyond, addressing the acceptable use of LLMs for teaching and learning. By exploring these issues and seeking input from academics, we aim to develop guidelines that maximize the benefits of LLMs while ensuring their responsible and ethical integration into educational practices. This presentation was delivered at Reimagining Higher Education: journeys of decolonising at De Montfort University, Leicester, on Wednesday 8th November 2023.