But, what does this taskforce exactly do? What exactly does it look like and what steps have they already taken?
A network of diverse disciplines
The composition of this taskforce is like a puzzle, bringing together experts from various disciplines and leveraging each other's area of expertise: from the beta domain to philosophy, and from law to educational sciences. A heterogeneous group, not only in fields but also in ages, which is reflected in an interesting collaboration within the taskforce. In their roles as advisors to the rectors, taskforce members collectively aim for a coordinated approach within the university educational landscape in the field of AI and policy.
Each member approaches issues from their unique perspective. For example, Dr. Marjolein Lanzing, specializing in philosophy of technology, focuses not only on the practical aspects of AI but also sheds light on the human dimension of artificial intelligence. Dr. Ilja Cornelisz approaches issues from his field of educational sciences. In the taskforce, Prof. Dr. Felienne Hermans operates as a professor of Didactics of Computer Science at the intersection of technology and education, exploring how students can learn about AI and the digital world.
Action-oriented working groups
Within the taskforce, two working groups are also active: the VU working group and UvA working group. Each with its own focus and composition, they support the taskforce. Led by Luuk Terbeek (educational advisor AI & Blended learning) as a connecting factor, both university working groups exchange current challenges and best practices. Education experts from the Centre for Teaching and Learning, experts from the University Library, and IT specialists are part of these action-oriented and practical working groups, all contributing to the common goal: supporting teachers with AI issues in their education and implementing taskforce recommendations in practice.
"The strong need and ambition for an AI taskforce and clear policy, with continuous dialogue at its core, led to a positive reception of the idea, and it quickly took shape. Regular meetings are now organized between members of the UvA and VU Amsterdam to discuss experiences and challenges." - Alice Schaap, contact person VU-UvA taskforce and VU working group.
Transparent to the outside world
The principle is that VU Amsterdam and UvA communicate clear policies and positions regarding generative AI in education, both internally and externally. Policies and positions adapt to developments and are regularly and timely communicated and published in a place accessible to everyone involved in the institutions' education (and research), as well as beyond.
This information, including policy positions, recommendations, transparency principles, and relevant updates on policy developments aligned with the dynamics of AI technology, will be available on the websites of both institutions. Click here for more information.