Oxford’s digital transformation is not a centre-led thing. All of us – colleagues across the institution - collectively own Oxford’s digital transformation. Now, we are all able to enhance our work with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. We can all experiment with new machine learning models in a safe and supported manner. And we can do so with clear, connected guidance from departments across the University on how AI can be used appropriately.
Our new AI and Machine Learning Support Competency Centre can help all colleagues to build their confidence, get hands-on with new technologies, and play their own part in making Oxford digitally fit for the future.
What is AI/Machine Learning?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a range of software technologies that can be trained and adapted to different uses - it is not designed to replace people in the workplace but can instead augment routine tasks and free up time for employees to focus on more complex work. Machine Learning is a type of AI with the ability to learn, improving their algorithmic output based on the data that we give them – Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, fall under Machine Learning.
How does the Competency Centre work?
As AI becomes more prevalent in society, there is a growing need to understand how it works, how it can be utilised and how to do so safely. This new Competency Centre aims to empower staff to feel confident in their AI usage and that their work can be technologically supported without compromising on quality or integrity.
As with all Competency Centres, the AI and Machine Learning Support team will be supporting colleagues with their three types of offerings of Show Me, Skill Me, and Help Me:
- Show Me – Experts will showcase effective uses of AI through online resources and in-person events to inspire staff to try new approaches themselves
- Skill Me – By developing resources and training courses for staff as well as highlighting existing guidance published by the University, the Centre will enable staff to use this technology appropriately and in compliance with policies
- Help Me – The Centre is actively recruiting technical staff, business analysts, and trainers to offer free consultancy on understanding and utilising AI tools. They will also be able to provide access to premium versions of Generative AI systems
The Centre has already begun analysing how new AI tools can be used to benefit the working lives of colleagues. As part of their Generative AI Enterprise Licence Pilot, the team has enrolled over 500 colleagues from across the University in this project, providing the cohort with Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT Enterprise and Microsoft Copilot Pro for Office 365. The aim is to explore how these premium tools may be able to improve productivity across a range of projects and divisions, from research to administration. Over the next months, the cohort will be discovering where Generative AI tools can be applied and evaluating how much they can impact day-to-day work.
If you wanted to learn more about the pilot project, you can visit the website here.
Mark Bramwell, Director of Strategic Digital Partnerships, said:
…The University’s investment in the OpenAI ChatGPT Enterprise (the 1st Higher Education implementation in Europe) and Microsoft Copilot trials signposts its commitment to leading innovation and supporting its Faculty, Researchers and Staff by providing access to the latest AI and Digital technologies as well as developing the University’s digital skills…
If you want to explore how AI can be applied to your work, you are able to access the free versions of ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. The new AI and Machine Learning Support Competency Centre team will be able to help you access these and guide you in how best to use them.
Find out more about AI at Oxford here
