GenAI Studio: News, Tools, and Teaching & Learning FAQs
These sixty minute, weekly sessions – facilitated by Technologists and Pedagogy Experts from the CTLT – are designed for faculty and staff at UBC who are using, or thinking about using, Generative AI tools as part of their teaching, researching, or daily work. Each week we discuss the news of the week, highlight a specific tool for use within teaching and learning, and then hold a question and answer session for attendees.
They run on Zoom every Wednesday from 1pm – 2pm and you can register for upcoming events on the CTLT Events Website.
News of the Week
Each week we discuss several new items that happened in the Generative AI space over the past 7 days. There’s usually a flood of new AI-adjacent news every week – as this industry is moving so fast – so we highlight news articles which are relevant to the UBC community.
In this week’s tech news, Microsoft Translator added Inuktitut text-to-speech support to preserve and promote Indigenous language. Hugging Face unveiled the Pleias 1.0 models, trained exclusively using Common Corpus, an open-source dataset. Meta released Llama 3.3 with enhanced performance. Google Deepmind launched Gemini 2.0 amid other projects and features, and introduced GenCast for advanced weather forecasting. ElevenLabs released its text-to-speech app, available for iOS and Android. Apple expanded AI features with Image Playground and Genmoji, while OpenAI debuted Sora for text-to-video generation. UBC will be hosting workshops and symposiums on AI in education. Finally, ChatGPT Canvas has officially launched with powerful new features for collaborative projects.
Here’s this week’s news:
Microsoft Introduces Inuktitut Text-to-Speech in Translator App
Microsoft, in collaboration with the Government of Nunavut, has added Inuktitut text-to-speech functionality to its Translator application, featuring AI-generated voices named Taqqiq and Siqiniq. This development enables users to hear translations in Inuktitut, enhancing language accessibility and preservation. The feature is currently available on mobile and web platforms, with plans to integrate it into Microsoft Office products in the future. Read more.
Hugging Face Releases Pleias 1.0 Models
Hugging Face has introduced Pleias 1.0, a suite of small language models trained exclusively on their open-source dataset known as Common Corpus, ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act. The lineup includes base models with 350M, 1.2B, and 3B parameters, featuring two specialized models—Pleias-Pico and Pleias-Nano—optimized for multilingual Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). These models support multiple European languages and are designed to operate efficiently on consumer-grade hardware. Read more.
Meta Unveils Llama 3.3: Enhanced Performance in AI Language Models
Meta has introduced Llama 3.3, a 70-billion-parameter, instruction-tuned language model that surpasses its predecessor, Llama 3.1 70B, in text-only applications. In certain scenarios, Llama 3.3’s performance rivals that of the larger Llama 3.1 405B model. Notably, Llama 3.3 maintains compatibility with existing prompt formats and supports code-interpreter and tool-calling functionalities. Learn more.
Google DeepMind Launches Gemini 2.0 with Advanced Multimodal and Agentic AI Capabilities
Google DeepMind has introduced Gemini 2.0, an advanced AI model designed for the “agentic era,” featuring enhanced multimodal input and output, such as image generation, multilingual text-to-speech, and native tool usage. Available as an experimental release to developers, Gemini 2.0 Flash delivers faster performance and improved reasoning while supporting a wide range of use cases across Google products. This marks a major step toward creating universal AI assistants capable of handling complex tasks. Google has also announced updates on other initiatives such as Project Astra, Project Mariner, as well as agents for programming and gaming. Learn more.
Google DeepMind’s GenCast AI Enhances Weather Forecasting
DeepMind has developed GenCast, an AI model that predicts weather up to 15 days in advance with higher accuracy than traditional methods. Utilizing diffusion models, GenCast efficiently generates forecasts, offering improved predictions for extreme weather events such as cyclones and abnormal temperatures and air pressure. Read more.
ElevenLabs Launches AI-Powered Text Reader App
ElevenLabs has released ElevenReader, a text-to-speech application available on iOS and Android platforms. The app enables users to listen to various text formats—including books, articles, PDFs, and newsletters—using ultra-realistic AI-generated voices in 32 languages. Try it out.
Apple Expands AI Features with Image Playground and Genmoji
Apple has released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, introducing new AI-driven features such as Image Playground and Genmoji. Image Playground allows users to create unique images using themes and personal photos, while Genmoji enables the generation of personalized emojis through text descriptions. Additionally, Siri now integrates ChatGPT, enhancing its ability to handle complex queries and provide detailed responses. Learn more.
OpenAI Launches Sora: AI-Powered Text-to-Video Generation
OpenAI has released Sora, an AI model that transforms text prompts into video content, now accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers. Sora enables users to create videos up to 20 seconds long with resolutions reaching 1080p, offering features like video generation from text, image animation, and video remixing. To mitigate misuse, OpenAI has implemented safeguards, including restrictions on depicting real individuals and adding identifying metadata and watermarks for transparency. Learn more.
Try out Sora here.
Integrating Generative AI in Assignments and Assessments – December 17, 2024
The Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT) at UBC is hosting a generative AI workshop on December 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, facilitated by Lucas Wright. This online session will cover ways to use generative AI in education, from ideation and collaborative tools to assessing AI-generated outputs. Register here.
GenAI in Teaching and Learning Symposium – February 3, 2025
UBC is organizing a symposium on February 3, 2025, to explore the integration of Generative AI in higher education. The event will feature a panel moderated by UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon, presentations of student survey data, and faculty lightning talks on AI’s impact on teaching practices. Faculty members are invited to submit proposals for lightning talks by December 21, 2024. Register here.
Tool of the Week
Tool of the Week: ChatGPT Canvas
What is ChatGPT Canvas?
ChatGPT Canvas is a newly launched feature by OpenAI that enhances collaborative writing and coding projects. Previously in beta, Canvas is now open to all ChatGPT users, providing a workspace separate from the traditional chat interface where users can directly edit text or code in real time alongside ChatGPT. The official release introduces Python code execution capabilities directly within Canvas, as well as enhanced editing tools for written projects—a significant upgrade from the beta version.
How is it used?
Users can access ChatGPT Canvas by enabling it under View Tools and initiating tasks that involve complex writing or coding. This opens a split-screen interface: the conversation remains on the left, while a customizable workspace appears on the right. The official release adds custom GPT integration, enabling users to embed Canvas into personalized AI models, making workflows highly adaptable to specific needs. Enhanced shortcuts, such as debugging tools and quick language-switching options, further streamline the editing process.
What is it used for?
ChatGPT Canvas is designed for projects that require collaborative input, like drafting documentation or developing software code. It supports direct editing, feedback cycles, and version tracking, ensuring smoother collaboration. With the official release, the addition of advanced coding shortcuts and multi-language porting broadens its applications, making it ideal for professionals and teams aiming for efficiency in complex, multi-step workflows.
Try ChatGPT Canvas here.
Without a PIA, instructors cannot require students use the tool or service without providing alternatives that do not require use of student private information
Questions and Answers
Each studio ends with a question and answer session whereby attendees can ask questions of the pedagogy experts and technologists who facilitate the sessions. We have published a full FAQ section on this site. If you have other questions about GenAI usage, please get in touch.
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Assessment Design using Generative AI
Generative AI is reshaping assessment design, requiring faculty to adapt assignments to maintain academic integrity. The GENAI Assessment Scale guides AI use in coursework, from study aids to full collaboration, helping educators create assessments that balance AI integration with skill development, fostering critical thinking and fairness in learning.
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How can I use GenAI in my course?
In education, the integration of GenAI offers a multitude of applications within your courses. Presented is a detailed table categorizing various use cases, outlining the specific roles they play, their pedagogical benefits, and potential risks associated with their implementation. A Complete Breakdown of each use case and the original image can be found here. At […]