Julia Hengstler is a professor and educational technologist in VIU’s faculty of education. In this episode, Julia tells us about how using generative AI tools can enhance teaching by enabling personalized content, reimagined assessments, and improved efficiency. We also hear how avoiding AI in education raises ethical concerns, as it can limit students’ learning and job prospects, creating an “AI gap” and equity issue. However, AI adoption is often hindered by a lack of training and clear policies, which this conversation seeks to address.
Resources Mentioned
- The Opposite of Cheating
- ChatGPT Ate My Homework
- 2025 Canadian Report on Digital Learning Trends
- KPMG Report: Trust, attitudes and use of artificual intelligence
- How to use AI responsibly EVERY time: a framework for responsible use
- Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA, privacy legislation)
AI Tools
- Notebook LM from Google, which is a Retrieval Augmented Generative AI (RAG) that requires users to define the sources, thereby limiting hallucination.
- Gemini Pro Plus (with the paid Notebook LM package) can be used to quickly analyze updates and changes to Notebook LM.
- MidJourney ( and Discord server) is space where you can generate images, collaborate with others, find technical support, receive official announcements, submit feedback, and engage in stimulating discussions.
Contact
To connect with Julia, email julia.hengstler@viu.ca
Are you actively exploring the challenges and opportunities that GenAI brings to teaching and learning? We would love to have you as a guest on the show. Email anwen.burk@viu.ca or jessica.gemella@viu.ca to get a conversation started.