Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below will be updated regularly to address concerns and queries commonly raised by members of the University. If you have any particular topics you would like addressed here, please email info@blendedlearning.cam.ac.uk.
Guidance on recording of teaching
This guidance is provided to students and staff to outline the University’s position on the recording of teaching sessions or events. It should be read in conjunction with the Policy on the Recording of Teaching Materials/Lectures.
The University has a strong commitment to in-person teaching. In-person teaching:
provides students with opportunities to engage with staff and with their peers, building a community within the subject and supporting students’ sense of belonging;
helps to develop support mechanisms and social networks;
offers opportunities for ad hoc or informal learning experiences outside of formal teaching structures; and
gives structure and rhythm to the learning experience.
The University expects that teaching events will be offered in person, save where there is pedagogical benefit to delivery via an alternative method. Students are expected to attend and participate in in-person sessions wherever possible.
Recording these in-person sessions can often support students’ learning, by providing opportunity to review or consolidate material. Lecture recordings are highly valued by students as a part of their educational experience, and they can contribute to high-quality inclusive teaching (see also the University’s Code of Practice: Access and Inclusion for Disabled Students). However, not all teaching events will be suitable for recording, particularly those with highly-interactive or sensitive content.
The guidance pertains to lectures, and it is not standard practice to record other teaching, but if there is agreement between staff and students in a setting other than a lecture, and if suitable infrastructure is available in the teaching space, then teaching staff should not be discouraged from recording if they wish to do so.
The decision whether or not to record a teaching event will rest with the individual lecturer(s), in consideration of the designed teaching experience and intended educational benefit. The needs of disabled students requiring reasonable adjustments must still be met; for more information, see Students with reasonable adjustments, below. The needs of students and any Faculty, Department, or course expectations about recordings must also be taken into consideration.
Guidance for Students
Students are permitted to make appropriate use of GenAI tools to support their personal study, research and formative work, however, due to differences between disciplines across the University, you should always consult local guidance (e.g., from your department, faculty, college etc.)
More specific guidance around the use of GenAI in assessments is available.
When using GenAI tools and websites, please consider the following in addition to the general guiding principles:
- The use of GenAI tools is not an effective replacement for developing skills or understanding in your subject area.
- GenAI tools can commonly produce incorrect or unsubstantiated information and as such should always be verified from trusted and reliable sources.
- Consider thoughtful use of GenAI and associated software where possible, making appropriate use to support your own development, using the most effective tool for the task at hand, and using efficient prompt-engineering to reduce the amount of iteration necessary.
- Remain aware of the limitations, inconsistencies, and biases that can exist within GenAI tools and data sets, and exercise caution when deciding to use information provided software
- Be accountable and take responsibility for how, when, and why you decide to use generated materials or information from Gen AI software.
If you are unsure about how to effectively use GenAI for your own needs please discuss with your Supervisor or Personal Tutor and, if in doubt, seek clarification of permissible use of AI from your Director of Studies or Director of Teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ below will be updated regularly to address concerns and queries commonly raised by members of the University. If you have any particular topics you would like addressed here, please email info@blendedlearning.cam.ac.uk.
Can the use of AI be detected?
The University does not encourage the use of AI detection software given their proven inaccuracies and unreliability. Detection tools offer no evidence to support investigations even when identifying possible use in a submitted example.
Can we ban the use of AI locally?
Whilst departments and faculties are permitted to restrict or even ban the use of AI, this is very difficult to enforce and will often be ineffectual. We again encourage regular and open conversations with staff and students about how to make the most of generative AI whilst understanding what is and is not permitted. Where possible, a clear distinction of how AI technologies can and cannot be used within certain contexts of teaching, learning and assessment are preferable over a blanket ban of all AI technologies for all uses.
What do I do if suspect a student has misused AI in their work?
As with any other form or academic misconduct you should follow the University’s existing policies. More information about our approach to investigating misconduct can be found here.
Can I encourage the use of AI in my teaching?
We welcome diverse approaches to using new technologies in our teaching, learning, and assessment as long as they align with any relevant existing policies. Supported use of generative AI in teaching and learning can prove very effective, but as with any other tool or method, clear guidelines, rationale, and a supportive approach for students is the best approach.
Where can I go to discuss my concerns or any ideas I might have for using AI?
The Blended Learning Service will be happy to meet and discuss aspects of generative AI and how it can be used effectively within an educational context. Please email info@blendedlearning.cam.ac.uk for more information.