Empowering Learners: Innovative Approaches to Student Engagement at ICMS Faculty Day

At the ICMS Faculty Day on Friday 30 August, visiting lecturer Dr Peipei Pan shared her insights on student engagement and the use of AI in education, emphasising the need for students to truly grasp the material rather than just relying on technology.

Dr Pan, who is a Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Hons) and a PhD, as well as a member of CPA Australia, delivered a lecture filled with innovative ideas to enhance student engagement.

Personalised Learning

A significant part of Dr Pan’s presentation focused on her personal views about creating dynamic learning environments and using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tailor learning experiences.

She discussed how AI can help customise lessons to fit each student’s needs and provide quick feedback.

According to Dr Pan, this personalised approach can keep students engaged and support their learning more effectively.

By combining AI with new assessment techniques, Dr Pan believes students can be better prepared for the current professional world, encouraging them to actively participate in their education rather than passively receive information.

Key Takeaways: Embracing AI in Business Education

During her lecture, Dr Pan highlighted her views on the importance of embracing AI in business education.

She suggested that educators should prepare students for a future where AI is prevalent, focusing on real learning rather than concerning themselves about “cheating”.

Dr Pan also emphasised her perspective on the ethical use of AI and balancing it with traditional teaching methods.

ICMS’s Commitment to Responsible AI Usage

ICMS Deputy Vice Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Dr Heidi Le Sueur evaluated the two assessment examples shared by Dr Pan in the context of Accounting.

In the first example, AI is encouraged as a tool for self-paced learning and as a guide for assessments.

In the second, AI is integrated while ensuring academic integrity is maintained.

Dr Le Sueur highlighted these examples and drew a comparison to the Two-Track assessment model implemented at ICMS.

In this model, AI is evaluated in terms of its role in helping students master skills and knowledge, while promoting productivity and responsibility in an AI-integrated society. The approach ensures flexibility in assessment design while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

ICMS is committed to integrating AI responsibly within its educational framework, aligning closely with Dr Pan’s advocacy for ethical AI use in education.

The institution’s AI policy looks at the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining academic integrity, ensuring that AI serves as a valuable educational tool without compromising ethical standards.

ICMS’s Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) Framework  underscores the importance of preparing students for an AI-influenced workplace, mirroring Dr Pan’s views on equipping future professionals with the necessary skills.

The AIED framework also includes specific Use of AI in Assessment Guidelines, promoting transparency and accountability while encouraging students to engage with AI in a manner that enhances their learning and critical thinking abilities.

This comprehensive approach reflects both ICMS’s commitment to academic excellence and Dr Pan’s vision of a future-ready educational environment.

ICMS Faculty Development: Elevating Education Through Continuous Growth

ICMS Faculty Days are part of the institution’s dedication to continuously support academic and professional development of its faculty. It serves as a vibrant platform for scholarly practices, bringing together ICMS faculty to share ideas, innovations, and experiences that truly embody the spirit of academic excellence. By providing opportunities for their educators to learn and grow, ICMS ensures that students receive top-quality education.

This commitment helps students face the challenges of the modern world with confidence and skill, maintaining ICMS’s position as a leader in academic excellence and innovation.

• Dr Peipei Pan holds a PhD in Accounting and is a senior lecturer at Macquarie University. To connect with Dr Pan, click here.

The two institutions, ICMS and Macquarie University have a long history of collaboration on various topics of students’ life, learning and teaching and scholarship.