Harnessing LLMs in Curricular Design: Using GPT-4 to Support Authoring of Learning Objectives

Understand

We evaluated the capability of a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT-4) to automatically generate high-quality learning objectives (LOs) in the context of a practically oriented university course on Artificial Intelligence.

• Discussions of opportunities (e.g., content generation, explanation) and risks (e.g., cheating) of this emerging technology in education have intensified, but to date there has not been a study of the models' capabilities in supporting the course design and authoring of LOs.
• LOs articulate the knowledge and skills learners are intended to acquire by engaging with a course.
• To be effective, LOs must focus on what students are intended to achieve, focus on specific cognitive processes, and be measurable.