Critical perspectives on generative AI for academia

This workshop brings together scholars from diverse disciplines to discuss fundamental issues around the implementation and use of large generative language models in academia. 

Time and place: –, University of Oslo, Blindern, Niels Henrik Abels hus, 12th floor, Abels utsikt, 1259
Bildet kan inneholde: elektronisk enhet, font, multimedia, skjermdump, programvare.

Description

The workshop focuses on engaging in critical discussion with the invited speakers and the attendees with the aim to understand where we are heading when it comes to large generative language models and, most importantly, why.

This meeting poses questions that we as academics need to consider within the current academic research climate both as active researchers and as teachers and supervisors of academics in the making. We will not delve into practical uses, limitations, or suggested guidelines for the implementation of generative AI.

Format

The workshop is divided into two main discussion panels, framed by brief introduction and closing remarks. The panels will focus on the issues of critical and creative thinking and the role that active writing and reading play in academia, as well as on the ethical implications of using and implementing these tools. Invited speakers from different universities in Norway will give short position statements, followed by a round table discussion. All attendees are welcome to raise questions for discussion.

We hope to open the door to more critical inquiries into how these tools impact research and learning as a process, something we consider to be an essential albeit underrepresented dimension to the discussion on the need for large generative language models in higher education and research.

Programme

09.30Coffee is served
10.00 - 10.30

Welcome and introductory remarks

  • Narratives around generative AI – not a simple question of “quantity”
    Postdoctoral Fellow Virginia Conde Ruiz, Department of Psychology, UiO
  • Core aspects of generative models to keep in mind for the discussion
    Associate Professor Andrey Kutuzov, Integreat and Department of Informatics, UiO
10.30 - 12.00

Panel 1: Critical and creative thinking through active reading and writing in academia – how does generative AI alter these processes?

  • Academic “writing”: Thinking in the shadow of LLMs
    Writing pedagogue David Burke, Academic Writing Centre, UiO
  • Engagement and digital agency in the age of generative AI: what does it mean for higher education and academia?
    Professor Fazilat Siddiq, University of South-Eastern Norway
  • Active/close reading and writing: what is lost when generative AI “reads” (summarizes) for us?
    Associate Professor Nicole Busby, NTNU
12.00 - 13.00Lunch
13.00 - 14.30

Panel 2: Ethical issues around the implementation and use of generative AI in academia

  • Generative AI and the ethics of academic work 
    Professor Hallvard Fossheim, Department of Philosophy, University of Bergen
  • Generative AI and training bias: cultural narratives
    Professor Jill Walker Rettberg, Co-director of the Center for Digital Narrative, University of Bergen
  • Questioning “AI hype” narratives around productivity, efficiency, and “time-saving”: is “more” always better? 
    Professor Taina Bucher, Department of Media and Communication, UiO
14.30 - 15.00Coffee break
15.00 - 16.00Plenary discussion and closing remarks

Registration

Registration form 

Limited seating available, on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list will be available once all seats are filled.

Practical information

  • Lunch will be served to all registered attendees.
  • Workshop for all academic employees
  • No streaming

Points of contact

Published Mar. 26, 2025 10:43 AM - Last modified Nov. 4, 2025 9:46 AM
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