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Queen Mary launches new course to boost students' AI skills

Paula Funnell introduces a new QMplus resource for students, AI for Student Learning and Research, which provides a foundation for understanding the ethical and academically appropriate potential use of AI in learning and research.

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AI literacy is fast becoming a key skill for university students. With that has come the now-familiar challenge in Higher Education on how to support students to develop these skills to enable them to succeed in their education and in preparation for the AI-enabled workplace.

In 2023, when generative AI really burst onto the scene, I wanted to help students figure out how to use these tools effectively in their learning and research. To meet this need, I led a collaboration between Library Services, the Technology Enhanced Learning Team, and colleagues and students from the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FMD). I was very keen to work with students in co-creation and have them involved throughout the development process to ensure the output would be relevant and engaging.

With support from the President and Principal’s Fund for Educational Excellence we developed an interactive resource hosted on QMplus, Queen Mary’s VLE. The resource, AI for Student Learning and Research,  provides a foundation for understanding the ethical and academically appropriate potential use of AI in learning and research, whilst emphasising to students the need to follow local guidelines.

After a successful pilot in FMD in 2023–24, the resource quickly attracted interest from colleagues across the University. Presenting at the AI Eduthon during the 2024 Festival of Education helped build momentum, and by 2024–25 it had been adopted across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, as well as the School of Business and Management and the Centre for Commercial Law Studies.

Recognising the growing demand for clear guidance, the Education and Senior Leadership Team (ESELT) agreed in September 2025 that all new students should be enrolled on the resource. Students who complete the core elements receive a certificate of completion, while optional activities allow for deeper exploration.

Feedback from students has been positive. They value the opportunity to explore how AI can support learning, also understanding its limitations and the importance of avoiding academic misconduct. One student commented:

I found it very interesting learning about the different ways it can be used, such as for brainstorming and assisting with revision but at the same time recognising its limitations and what we need to look out for.

We now need colleagues across Schools and Institutes to encourage students to engage with the resource as part of their learning. It provides a comprehensive standalone introduction, or you could perhaps use it as a basis to critically engage with students in discussion about AI in their context.

If you would like more information, or are interested in tracking your students’ progress, please contact academicskills@qmul.ac.uk. If you’re from outside Queen Mary, and looking to develop something similar in your own institution, please do get in touch. I’d be very happy to share our experience.

Paula Funnell

Academic Skills and Liaison Librarian - Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/student-experience/staff/profiles/paula-funnell.html

 

 

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