AI at Western - Western University

What We Mean by "AI"

AI is a broad field, but when people say "AI" today, they're usually referring to generative tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, or Gemini. That's the focus of this site.

A Different Kind of Tool

We're used to software that behaves like a precise instrument. For example Microsoft's Excel does exactly what you tell it, step by step. You learn it by reading documentation and building muscle memory. Most software we've encountered works this way. Generative AI doesn't.

AI tools can offer opinions, push back on your prompts, or produce unexpected outputs. If you're expecting software that executes instructions without deviation, you'll need to adjust your mental model.

Learning Through Use

The best way to get comfortable with AI is through exposure and experimentation. What works well is often specific to the task and the person using it. AI won't deliver results "out of the box," but time spent experimenting compounds quickly. Reading about how others in similar roles have found success can accelerate that process.

Co-Creating the Future of Higher Education: Human Presence in an Age of Artificial Intelligence.

Early bird registration is $90 ($20 for students, $50 for Western University registrants).

Learn more and register on the registration link

June 10-11, 2026

Virtual Conference hosted by the University of Guelph, in partnership with Western University, McMaster University, University of Toronto, and University of Windsor.

Generative AI has acted as a stress test for the higher education sector, illuminating the structural weaknesses in how we assess, how we trust, how we teach and how we learn, while affirming the strengths and foundational essence of relationality in teaching and learning.  This is a moment where we can imagine, plan, and co-create our desired future across all levels of the institutional community. The Teaching Amid AI Conference program will explore human-centred AI, equity and inclusion, data sovereignty, the future of assessment and work, and new possibilities for knowledge creation.

This virtual conference will bring together educators, students, staff, and sector leaders to envision a more relational, equitable, and sustainable future for higher education.

Speakers include:

• Mark Daley on the future of AI in higher education
• Gus Skorburg on relationality and human-centred AI
• Sarah Elaine Eaton on post-plagiarism
• Bill Turkel on human/AI collaboration

Learn more here: https://otl.uoguelph.ca/teaching-amid-ai-conference-2026