Bridges and Bytes

Welcome to the season-in-review episode. Thank you for coming along on this journey with us where UCD engineering students investigate AI use in university assessments. In this episode, Ashly Antony and Derin Gurman review the main highlights from each episode, as well as some tips and tricks for those of you who have been inspired to try to use AI a little bit more in your life. Happy listening a...

This episode explores the blurred lines between using AI as a helpful tool for research and crossing into plagiarism in individual assignments. On one hand, AI can streamline research and enhance learning but also raises concerns about diminishing critical thinking and the risk of over-reliance. Hosts: Bharath Radharkrishnan, Harinee Shanmugam and Xinzhi Zhang (Masters in Manufacturing) Producer:...

This episode examines the unique power of reflective assignments (journals, logs diaries), which, when done properly, require the genuine thoughts and feelings of students—something AI can’t truly replicate. However, the discussion also acknowledges the risk of AI being used to craft reflections. Listen in for a nuanced exploration of how reflection fosters critical thinking and how oral presentat...

This episode explores how AI is changing group projects and assessments. We discuss tools like Otter.ai and Thesify.ai, which can enhance collaboration but also pose challenges in maintaining authentic student work. Tune in to learn how AI impacts the dynamics of group assignments and what it means for the future of university assessments. Hosts and Writers: Amy Lawrence (Stage 4 Structural Engine...

This episode explores how COVID-19 led to a rapid shift to online exams, prompting educators to adapt their assessment strategies. We discuss the challenges posed by AI in maintaining academic integrity and whether AI tools should be viewed as cheating or valuable resources. Hosts: Alex Brady and Hassan Khan (Stage 4 Engineering Science) Guest: Dr Lollie Mancey Researchers: Anthony Salib, Nabeel O...

In this episode, we explore the impact of AI on lab report writing, highlighting its benefits and challenges for students. Discover how AI tools can streamline data analysis and support non-native English speakers in crafting better reports. Hosts: Conor Murphy, Leo Jennings and Thomas O’Brien (1st Year General Engineering) Producer: Caitlin Hetherton – (1st Year General Engineering) As part of th...

This episode explores the evolving role of AI in academic assessments, particularly its impact on closed-book exams. The discussion covers how closed-book exams help prevent AI-assisted cheating, the potential future integration of AI tools in exams, and the challenges of using AI for grading, including concerns about reliability and fairness. Tune in to understand the future of education in the A...

The hottest topic this year in our university is generative artificial intelligence and its use in assessments. In Season 1 of this podcast, we're giving a voice to engineering and architecture students to share their views on AI and Assessment. Many students will remember the stress of doing closed-book invigilated exams in big exam halls that are far too warm in summer and far too cold in winter...