![\"AI-generated](\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/12\/Firefly_some-robots-at-a-christmas-office-party-eating-a-mince-pie-with-their-work-friends-360717-1024x796.png\")
<\/a>\n\n\n\n
Sussex Events and Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nRecent Event: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Teaching with AI Community of Practice<\/strong> met on Monday 1st<\/sup> December and heard from colleagues across the university.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Dr Charlie Crouch (EE) and Dr Keith Perera (ESW) reported on a project investigating student use of AI in Further Education. Insights included that over 75% of 13-18 year old students in the UK use AI to help with their homework, while fewer than half feel confident they can identify incorrect AI output. (Teaching the AI-Native Generation – Empowering Schools in the Age of AI. Oxford University 2025. See more: Teaching_the_AI_Native_Generation.pdf<\/a> )<\/li>
- Michelle Ansell (MAH) shared some of the challenges of protecting academic integrity in the online pre-sessional English course, and incorporating AI to support students. A popular theory to discourage inappropriate AI use is to make tasks more personal to the students, which in the case of an entirely international cohort presents challenges for standardisation and rubric.<\/li>
- Dr Gabriella Cagliesi (USBS) shared her work using a custom AI chatbot to support learning by programming a LLM to perform different roles, including as a coach, a contrarian and a critic. Students responded well and appreciated the opportunity to engage with the technology. Look out for more from Gabriella in upcoming blogs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
The event was very well-attended and we\u2019re already lining up contributors for the next meeting, which will be on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. Sign up to attend here: Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Teams area for the AI Community of Practice here:<\/strong> www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> and Read more about our previous AI CoPs on the blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-Paced Training:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEducational Enhancement\u2019s George Robinson has updated the self-paced Canvas module on Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>, including recent developments in Microsoft CoPilot which Sussex staff and students can access using your abc123 login (e.g. hm549@suss…) Enrol in AI at Sussex<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe JISC Building Digital Capabilitites Toolkit is available for Sussex staff and students and includes a self-audit for AI literacy<\/strong>, followed by suggestions for resources to help build your confidence.\u00a0 Access the toolkit here: https:\/\/sussex.potential.ly<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\nComing up in January:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Sussex Digital Humanities Lab<\/strong> will host an AI day on Monday 19th<\/sup> January.\u00a0 More details here: Sussex AI Day 2026 : What’s on : Sussex Digital Humanities Lab : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPublications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Podcast: Talking to Students about Generative AI. <\/strong>Educational Enhancement\u2019s Dr Sarah Watson has published the latest post from the university\u2019s Learning Matters blog: Sussex colleagues Prof Carol Alexander (USBS) and Prof Thomas Omerod (Psychology) spoke with podcast hosts Prof Wendy Garnham and Dr Heather Taylor about how they engage students in discussions about AI and AI use, including a really amusing and thought-provoking anecdote about what Chat GPT does about the elephant in the room<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nListen to the podcast here on Spotify Episode 12: Talking to Students About Generative AI – Learning Matters Podcast | Podcast on Spotify<\/a> and\/or read the and transcript here: Episode 12: Talking to Students about Generative AI | Learning Matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInstitutional Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Assessment, AI and Academic Integrity: <\/strong>As we approach the assessment period, we\u2019d like to remind colleagues that Educational Enhancement has published some guidance for incorporating and\/or restricting the use of AI in assessed work.\u00a0 Read more, and follow the links to find the tiered statements (integral, assistive, prohibitive) here: Artificial Intelligence in teaching and assessment : Support and guidance : Educational Enhancement : Staff Hub : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\nA reminder that the University of Sussex’s Principles for AI in Education<\/strong> are available here: Our principles for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education : About us : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAcross the Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have two examples from WONKHE this month that we’d like to share: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, the recording of their Digital and AI skills for the graduate workforce <\/em>symposium held on 4th December is available here: <\/em>Education Espresso \u2013 a shot of pedagogical inspiration | Wonkhe<\/strong><\/a>. Watch to find out the answer to the provocative question What\u2019s the point of universities if AI will do all the work?<\/em> posed by Victoria Wade, Director, University of London Careers Service, at the Festival of Higher Education in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSecondly, WONKHE have introduced their new project Educating the AI generation<\/em> in which they want to explore how institutions are developing educator AI literacy and practice.\u00a0 Read more, including about what they\u2019ve learnt already, here: High quality learning means developing and upskilling educators on the pedagogy of AI | Wonkhe<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFurther Afield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watch: <\/strong>Chris McCausland, TV comic, winner of Strictly Come Dancing<\/em>, former software engineer (BSc, Kingston, 2000) presents Seeing into the Future<\/em>, available here: BBC Two – Chris McCausland: Seeing into the Future<\/a>. Chris was born with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and his sight deteriorated rapidly in his twenties; he is now completely blind. In this programme, in partnership with the Open University, Chris explores how advances in technology, including AI, can be beneficial to people who experience barriers such as visual impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSeason’s Greetings and Looking to the New Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And finally, as we approach Christmas Eve, let’s reflect on the AI of Christmas Past, when in December 2023 we held the first meeting of the Teaching with AI Community of Practice; the AI of Christmas Present, when this month we met for the fourth time; and look forward to the AI Yet to Come<\/strong>! We\u2019ll meet again before the Spring vacation on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. We’ll confirm the focus and send out the calendar invitation nearer the time but the sign-up sheet is ready for you here Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>. Please get in touch with ee@sussex.ac.uk<\/a> to share your suggestions and\/or feedback on previous sessions. As always, if you\u2019d like to present then please let us know at the same address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"AI-generated](\"https:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/tel\/files\/2025\/12\/Designer-1024x683.png\")
<\/a>AI-generated image using a combination of Adobe Firefly and Microsoft CoPilot by HM on 17\/12\/2025 using prompt \u201cScrooge is visited by 3 AI ghosts; he is wearing a mortar board and is happy to see them\u201d Output was evaluated and prompts updated to achieve the final image.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis was a Spotlight on AI in Education update from Educational Enhancement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Join the Teaching and Learning with GenAI Community: If you\u2019d like to join the community and be first to hear about events. Get in touch with us and we can add you to the list and dedicated MS Teams community. www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> <\/li>
- Disclaimer on any tools not supported at Sussex. Please do not share Sussex, student, colleague, sensitive or personal data via these platforms. Not being supported means they have not passed stringent Data Protection assessments and could put you at breach of policy and legislation. For a list of supported platforms for teaching and learning please visit the Educational Enhancement website<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n
Share this:<\/h3>
Recent Event: <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Teaching with AI Community of Practice<\/strong> met on Monday 1st<\/sup> December and heard from colleagues across the university.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n- Dr Charlie Crouch (EE) and Dr Keith Perera (ESW) reported on a project investigating student use of AI in Further Education. Insights included that over 75% of 13-18 year old students in the UK use AI to help with their homework, while fewer than half feel confident they can identify incorrect AI output. (Teaching the AI-Native Generation – Empowering Schools in the Age of AI. Oxford University 2025. See more: Teaching_the_AI_Native_Generation.pdf<\/a> )<\/li>
- Michelle Ansell (MAH) shared some of the challenges of protecting academic integrity in the online pre-sessional English course, and incorporating AI to support students. A popular theory to discourage inappropriate AI use is to make tasks more personal to the students, which in the case of an entirely international cohort presents challenges for standardisation and rubric.<\/li>
- Dr Gabriella Cagliesi (USBS) shared her work using a custom AI chatbot to support learning by programming a LLM to perform different roles, including as a coach, a contrarian and a critic. Students responded well and appreciated the opportunity to engage with the technology. Look out for more from Gabriella in upcoming blogs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
The event was very well-attended and we\u2019re already lining up contributors for the next meeting, which will be on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. Sign up to attend here: Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nJoin the Teams area for the AI Community of Practice here:<\/strong> www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> and Read more about our previous AI CoPs on the blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-Paced Training:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEducational Enhancement\u2019s George Robinson has updated the self-paced Canvas module on Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>, including recent developments in Microsoft CoPilot which Sussex staff and students can access using your abc123 login (e.g. hm549@suss…) Enrol in AI at Sussex<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe JISC Building Digital Capabilitites Toolkit is available for Sussex staff and students and includes a self-audit for AI literacy<\/strong>, followed by suggestions for resources to help build your confidence.\u00a0 Access the toolkit here: https:\/\/sussex.potential.ly<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\nComing up in January:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Sussex Digital Humanities Lab<\/strong> will host an AI day on Monday 19th<\/sup> January.\u00a0 More details here: Sussex AI Day 2026 : What’s on : Sussex Digital Humanities Lab : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPublications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Podcast: Talking to Students about Generative AI. <\/strong>Educational Enhancement\u2019s Dr Sarah Watson has published the latest post from the university\u2019s Learning Matters blog: Sussex colleagues Prof Carol Alexander (USBS) and Prof Thomas Omerod (Psychology) spoke with podcast hosts Prof Wendy Garnham and Dr Heather Taylor about how they engage students in discussions about AI and AI use, including a really amusing and thought-provoking anecdote about what Chat GPT does about the elephant in the room<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nListen to the podcast here on Spotify Episode 12: Talking to Students About Generative AI – Learning Matters Podcast | Podcast on Spotify<\/a> and\/or read the and transcript here: Episode 12: Talking to Students about Generative AI | Learning Matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInstitutional Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Assessment, AI and Academic Integrity: <\/strong>As we approach the assessment period, we\u2019d like to remind colleagues that Educational Enhancement has published some guidance for incorporating and\/or restricting the use of AI in assessed work.\u00a0 Read more, and follow the links to find the tiered statements (integral, assistive, prohibitive) here: Artificial Intelligence in teaching and assessment : Support and guidance : Educational Enhancement : Staff Hub : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\nA reminder that the University of Sussex’s Principles for AI in Education<\/strong> are available here: Our principles for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education : About us : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAcross the Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have two examples from WONKHE this month that we’d like to share: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, the recording of their Digital and AI skills for the graduate workforce <\/em>symposium held on 4th December is available here: <\/em>Education Espresso \u2013 a shot of pedagogical inspiration | Wonkhe<\/strong><\/a>. Watch to find out the answer to the provocative question What\u2019s the point of universities if AI will do all the work?<\/em> posed by Victoria Wade, Director, University of London Careers Service, at the Festival of Higher Education in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSecondly, WONKHE have introduced their new project Educating the AI generation<\/em> in which they want to explore how institutions are developing educator AI literacy and practice.\u00a0 Read more, including about what they\u2019ve learnt already, here: High quality learning means developing and upskilling educators on the pedagogy of AI | Wonkhe<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFurther Afield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watch: <\/strong>Chris McCausland, TV comic, winner of Strictly Come Dancing<\/em>, former software engineer (BSc, Kingston, 2000) presents Seeing into the Future<\/em>, available here: BBC Two – Chris McCausland: Seeing into the Future<\/a>. Chris was born with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and his sight deteriorated rapidly in his twenties; he is now completely blind. In this programme, in partnership with the Open University, Chris explores how advances in technology, including AI, can be beneficial to people who experience barriers such as visual impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSeason’s Greetings and Looking to the New Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And finally, as we approach Christmas Eve, let’s reflect on the AI of Christmas Past, when in December 2023 we held the first meeting of the Teaching with AI Community of Practice; the AI of Christmas Present, when this month we met for the fourth time; and look forward to the AI Yet to Come<\/strong>! We\u2019ll meet again before the Spring vacation on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. We’ll confirm the focus and send out the calendar invitation nearer the time but the sign-up sheet is ready for you here Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>. Please get in touch with ee@sussex.ac.uk<\/a> to share your suggestions and\/or feedback on previous sessions. As always, if you\u2019d like to present then please let us know at the same address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>AI-generated image using a combination of Adobe Firefly and Microsoft CoPilot by HM on 17\/12\/2025 using prompt \u201cScrooge is visited by 3 AI ghosts; he is wearing a mortar board and is happy to see them\u201d Output was evaluated and prompts updated to achieve the final image.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis was a Spotlight on AI in Education update from Educational Enhancement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Join the Teaching and Learning with GenAI Community: If you\u2019d like to join the community and be first to hear about events. Get in touch with us and we can add you to the list and dedicated MS Teams community. www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> <\/li>
- Disclaimer on any tools not supported at Sussex. Please do not share Sussex, student, colleague, sensitive or personal data via these platforms. Not being supported means they have not passed stringent Data Protection assessments and could put you at breach of policy and legislation. For a list of supported platforms for teaching and learning please visit the Educational Enhancement website<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n
Share this:<\/h3>
- Dr Charlie Crouch (EE) and Dr Keith Perera (ESW) reported on a project investigating student use of AI in Further Education. Insights included that over 75% of 13-18 year old students in the UK use AI to help with their homework, while fewer than half feel confident they can identify incorrect AI output. (Teaching the AI-Native Generation – Empowering Schools in the Age of AI. Oxford University 2025. See more: Teaching_the_AI_Native_Generation.pdf<\/a> )<\/li>
- Michelle Ansell (MAH) shared some of the challenges of protecting academic integrity in the online pre-sessional English course, and incorporating AI to support students. A popular theory to discourage inappropriate AI use is to make tasks more personal to the students, which in the case of an entirely international cohort presents challenges for standardisation and rubric.<\/li>
- Dr Gabriella Cagliesi (USBS) shared her work using a custom AI chatbot to support learning by programming a LLM to perform different roles, including as a coach, a contrarian and a critic. Students responded well and appreciated the opportunity to engage with the technology. Look out for more from Gabriella in upcoming blogs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\nThe event was very well-attended and we\u2019re already lining up contributors for the next meeting, which will be on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. Sign up to attend here: Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nJoin the Teams area for the AI Community of Practice here:<\/strong> www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> and Read more about our previous AI CoPs on the blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Self-Paced Training:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Educational Enhancement\u2019s George Robinson has updated the self-paced Canvas module on Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>, including recent developments in Microsoft CoPilot which Sussex staff and students can access using your abc123 login (e.g. hm549@suss…) Enrol in AI at Sussex<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JISC Building Digital Capabilitites Toolkit is available for Sussex staff and students and includes a self-audit for AI literacy<\/strong>, followed by suggestions for resources to help build your confidence.\u00a0 Access the toolkit here: https:\/\/sussex.potential.ly<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming up in January:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Sussex Digital Humanities Lab<\/strong> will host an AI day on Monday 19th<\/sup> January.\u00a0 More details here: Sussex AI Day 2026 : What’s on : Sussex Digital Humanities Lab : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPublications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Podcast: Talking to Students about Generative AI. <\/strong>Educational Enhancement\u2019s Dr Sarah Watson has published the latest post from the university\u2019s Learning Matters blog: Sussex colleagues Prof Carol Alexander (USBS) and Prof Thomas Omerod (Psychology) spoke with podcast hosts Prof Wendy Garnham and Dr Heather Taylor about how they engage students in discussions about AI and AI use, including a really amusing and thought-provoking anecdote about what Chat GPT does about the elephant in the room<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen to the podcast here on Spotify Episode 12: Talking to Students About Generative AI – Learning Matters Podcast | Podcast on Spotify<\/a> and\/or read the and transcript here: Episode 12: Talking to Students about Generative AI | Learning Matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInstitutional Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Assessment, AI and Academic Integrity: <\/strong>As we approach the assessment period, we\u2019d like to remind colleagues that Educational Enhancement has published some guidance for incorporating and\/or restricting the use of AI in assessed work.\u00a0 Read more, and follow the links to find the tiered statements (integral, assistive, prohibitive) here: Artificial Intelligence in teaching and assessment : Support and guidance : Educational Enhancement : Staff Hub : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A reminder that the University of Sussex’s Principles for AI in Education<\/strong> are available here: Our principles for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education : About us : University of Sussex<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAcross the Sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We have two examples from WONKHE this month that we’d like to share: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, the recording of their Digital and AI skills for the graduate workforce <\/em>symposium held on 4th December is available here: <\/em>Education Espresso \u2013 a shot of pedagogical inspiration | Wonkhe<\/strong><\/a>. Watch to find out the answer to the provocative question What\u2019s the point of universities if AI will do all the work?<\/em> posed by Victoria Wade, Director, University of London Careers Service, at the Festival of Higher Education in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, WONKHE have introduced their new project Educating the AI generation<\/em> in which they want to explore how institutions are developing educator AI literacy and practice.\u00a0 Read more, including about what they\u2019ve learnt already, here: High quality learning means developing and upskilling educators on the pedagogy of AI | Wonkhe<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFurther Afield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watch: <\/strong>Chris McCausland, TV comic, winner of Strictly Come Dancing<\/em>, former software engineer (BSc, Kingston, 2000) presents Seeing into the Future<\/em>, available here: BBC Two – Chris McCausland: Seeing into the Future<\/a>. Chris was born with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and his sight deteriorated rapidly in his twenties; he is now completely blind. In this programme, in partnership with the Open University, Chris explores how advances in technology, including AI, can be beneficial to people who experience barriers such as visual impairments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSeason’s Greetings and Looking to the New Year<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And finally, as we approach Christmas Eve, let’s reflect on the AI of Christmas Past, when in December 2023 we held the first meeting of the Teaching with AI Community of Practice; the AI of Christmas Present, when this month we met for the fourth time; and look forward to the AI Yet to Come<\/strong>! We\u2019ll meet again before the Spring vacation on Monday 16th<\/sup> March 2026. We’ll confirm the focus and send out the calendar invitation nearer the time but the sign-up sheet is ready for you here Booking for AI Community of Practice March 2026 \u2013 Fill in form<\/a>. Please get in touch with ee@sussex.ac.uk<\/a> to share your suggestions and\/or feedback on previous sessions. As always, if you\u2019d like to present then please let us know at the same address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>AI-generated image using a combination of Adobe Firefly and Microsoft CoPilot by HM on 17\/12\/2025 using prompt \u201cScrooge is visited by 3 AI ghosts; he is wearing a mortar board and is happy to see them\u201d Output was evaluated and prompts updated to achieve the final image.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThis was a Spotlight on AI in Education update from Educational Enhancement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Join the Teaching and Learning with GenAI Community: If you\u2019d like to join the community and be first to hear about events. Get in touch with us and we can add you to the list and dedicated MS Teams community. www.tinyurl.com\/sussex-ai-cop<\/a> <\/li>
- Disclaimer on any tools not supported at Sussex. Please do not share Sussex, student, colleague, sensitive or personal data via these platforms. Not being supported means they have not passed stringent Data Protection assessments and could put you at breach of policy and legislation. For a list of supported platforms for teaching and learning please visit the Educational Enhancement website<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n
Share this:<\/h3>
- Disclaimer on any tools not supported at Sussex. Please do not share Sussex, student, colleague, sensitive or personal data via these platforms. Not being supported means they have not passed stringent Data Protection assessments and could put you at breach of policy and legislation. For a list of supported platforms for teaching and learning please visit the Educational Enhancement website<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n