Project Team
- Ramon Lawrence, Professor, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science (Lead Applicant)
- Evan Habkirk, Lecturer, Indigenous Studies, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Themes
- Artificial Intelligence
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Experiential Learning
- Indigenizing Curriculum
Year
2027
About the Project
This project will support learning in INDG 100 by utilizing ethical AI to help students navigate complex topics related to colonization, Indigenous histories, and Indigenous-modern day settler relations.
Students require guidance that is more attuned to respectful engagement, responsible reflection, and the avoidance of unintentional harm than generic AI systems provide. Instructors also require support in recognizing and responding to reflections that may be inappropriate, uninformed, or potentially harmful, particularly in a course with very large enrolments.
This proposal will enhance INDG 100 by integrating AI informed support for student learning and by refining processes that assist with the evaluation of student reflections. The work will be guided by Indigenous Studies pedagogy and developed through ongoing collaboration between Computer Science and Indigenous Studies.
The result will provide students with respectful and reflective interactions with AI and scaffolding that helps them engage more thoughtfully with sensitive course content. It will also support instructors by highlighting reflections that may need intervention, by offering preliminary feedback on large volumes of writing, and by reducing the workload associated with monitoring, evaluating, and providing feedback in a large and fast-paced course. INDG 100 enrolls more than 1300 students each year, and demand continues to increase. An ethical and carefully adapted AI approach is valuable for sustaining a high-quality learning environment at this scale.
By centering respectful engagement, responsible reflection, and scalable pedagogical support, this project will create a more inclusive and supportive learning experience for all students in INDG 100.