The Integration of Artificial Intelligence into the Curriculum Development Process
General description of the project
NUC University’s vision is to be recognized as one that cares about its students and prioritizes their success through centers of excellence, innovative, diverse learning modalities, and quality student services to develop professionals of excellence with adaptability, integrity, and values. This is why, as part of our institutional values and priorities, NUC University establishes innovation as a process of change that promotes innovative ideas, methodologies, and processes that guide the institution to face the challenges and dynamics of a changing environment. A project titled The Integration of Artificial Intelligence into the Curriculum Development Process was established. For these purposes, we explored how artificial intelligence can assist the curriculum specialist and the subject matter expert in developing a syllabus by ethically and critically applying computer and technological processes effectively and efficiently. Using the GPT chat tool, the construction of the components of a syllabus was managed under the educational model of NUC University. The syllabus had to include a description, learning outcomes, course topics, and skill indicators the student must achieve. With proper instructions and direction of the tool, it was concluded that integrating artificial intelligence is a valuable tool that supports our institution’s content expert and curriculum specialist.
Among the components worked on in writing a syllabus under the NUC model were the learning results using artificial intelligence, one of the tasks best executed by the GPT Chat tool. It is a priority that our graduates obtain student experiences that prepare them to lead and excel both locally and globally. Therefore, excellent results were obtained by managing specific instructions considering our student-centered model, including the context, role, expected level, and target population, among other specifications. Likewise, the tool managed to write accurate course descriptions that were tempered with the reality of the content and writing achievement indicators that respond to the skills required by the student at their educational level.
To maintain educational quality standards without putting academic integrity at risk, a content expert must review the information obtained through the tool. The role of the content expert is to pass judgment on the veracity and accuracy of the information provided by the artificial intelligence tool. In addition, she must confirm whether the topics and level of complexity are those required by the developed course. On the other hand, the curriculum specialist must confirm the alignment between the description, learning outcomes, and skill indicators based on our curricular model. All this aligned with our philosophy inspired by the highest human values and healthy principles of good administrative practices.
As part of strengthening the organizational structure and financial strength, NUC University remains at the forefront of technological advances that can be successfully integrated to increase the institution’s financial operations. Through the pilot project of integrating artificial intelligence in the curriculum development process, it was proven that, with the correct use of artificial intelligence, the curriculum department could save up to 25% in the production time of a syllabus. This would result in greater productivity and performance of the team and, consequently, of the institution.
Working on the pilot project contributed to the institution’s short- and long-term decision-making processes. The data obtained in this artificial intelligence test was presented to the relevant authorities. These findings contributed to implementing the tool as part of our standard operating procedures (SOP) without jeopardizing academic integrity. Additionally, we contributed to creating a guide for using the tool and training the curriculum development team.
With the training of the curriculum specialists and the integration of this practice, it is expected that the development of syllabuses will be more agile and that our production schedule will be shorter. The work team is expected to have a broad command of the tool progressively and, in turn, reduce production costs.
The projection of implementing the project demonstrates informed decision-making based on the findings. A training plan was generated for the curriculum development team, aligned to the needs of current and future situations and trends. The evaluation plan and the corresponding instances in which it would be applied are contemplated as part of the process.
Among the institutions that make up NUC University is FTC-College, a bilingual higher education institution that provides services to the Hispanic population in Florida. Therefore, this project directly impacts the Hispanic population that FTC College serves.
The artificial intelligence tool is a source of information that complements and does not replace the content expert and curriculum specialist roles. The artificial intelligence tool has limitations in references, so it should not be used for citing or in works that require referencing.
Technologies
ChatGPT 3.5, an artificial intelligence tool trained to generate related conversations on any topic, was used for the cutting-edge technology integration test. It can develop the necessary content by exposing clear and specific instructions to the chat. In our project, we worked with the strategic writing of the instructions, and excellent results were obtained. Artificial intelligence technology proved to be highly effective, impacting streamlining processes and increasing production within the Curriculum Department.
Explain project results
The project helps the institution stay at the forefront of technology innovation. As part of the academic community, we understand this trend is here to stay. It is up to each institution to decide how it will adjust to the technological changes that affect the educational field. In this case, responsible integration of technology is being carried out, in which it is used as a professional support tool without replacing the judgment of content experts and curriculum developers.
NUC University serves a varied population in Puerto Rico and the United States. One of our priority areas is to be recognized as a university that puts students first. The institution recognizes within its powers respect for diversity in a globalized world. Integrating artificial intelligence in the academic area will support the Hispanic community in achieving better professional skills and competencies. On the other hand, the teaching process that results in student retention can be promoted and facilitated.
Why it should be considered best practice?
This project should be considered a good practice because it effectively integrates technology and is cutting-edge. What distinguishes this project from others is that it implies that the person carrying out the integration process must be trained to use the artificial intelligence tool. Mastering the methodology of generating adequate instructions and validating the content by an expert are the keys to the project’s success and what makes it worthy of being replicated. On the other hand, it is a sound generator of ideas that helps identify content, activities, skills, and competencies aligned with the student profile of our institution.
Highlights of your proposed presentation
Identification of necessities
• Processes
• Findings
• Limitations
•Recommendations
The Evaluation Committee will evaluate submitted proposals based on the following criteria. Each area will be rated on a scale from 1 to 7 (1= non-satisfactory; 7 =outstanding), for a maximum of 63 points.