Status: open
Through recent funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, BCcampus is actively exploring and experimenting with a variety of open-source generative AI (GenAI) tools and technologies that align with open education values. This includes a focus on equity, accessibility, and inclusivity, as well as supporting offline access, reducing environmental impact, and protecting student privacy. BCcampus is also working to develop an ethically focused AI-powered study tool prototype to compliment the BCcampus open textbook collection. We will be sharing project updates broadly with the post-secondary education community through conference presentations, blog posts, discussion papers, best practices, guides, research and other forms of communication.
This work aims to:
- Reduce AI’s environmental impact
- Identify and reduce bias
- Ensure equitable access and use for all
- Prioritize privacy
- Be self-hosted (cloud/locally)
- Be grounded in pedagogy
- Reduce misinformation
Join our Project Team!
BCcampus is looking for a subject matter expert to join us on a contract basis. We invite expressions of interest from post-secondary educators with experience in GenAI who are active members in the open education community. Ideal candidates will have expertise and interest in the following areas:
- Ethical considerations
- Artificial intelligence
- Open educational practice
- Educational Technology (EdTech)
- GenAI pedagogy
- Communication and collaboration
- Creation and curation of educational resources
- Digital accessibility
Timeline: June 2025 through to March 31, 2028.
This opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
Deliverables
In collaboration with the project team, and system partners, the Open GenAI Expert will serve as a thought leader and contributor to help achieve the following outcomes:
- Develop an AI-powered study tool for BCcampus open textbooks, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through customized, AI-driven learning experiences. Potential features may include:
- Chat functionality that allows students to request alternate explanations of key concepts.
- Students-generated self-test questions to support assessment preparation.
- Additional features identified through ongoing research, aimed at improving interaction with textbook content.
- Demonstrate various GenAI tools to educators, showing how to modify or adapt existing OER content into more customizable and adaptable learning materials.
- Create methods for open educators to engage with GenAI, specifically open-source tools, Small Language Models (SLMs) and other locally hosted AI models.
- Research and evaluate ethical AI tools and technologies aligned with the values of open education.
- Document and share all findings widely. A key deliverable of this role is communicating discoveries to support the broader open education community.
BCcampus is committed to inspiring and transforming B.C. public post-secondary education by facilitating innovative and inclusive teaching and learning experiences, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
When considering ethical AI practices, what do we need to consider when it comes to protecting the property and rights of Indigenous people?
Submissions
Please submit your expression of interest via email to rdevine@bccampus.ca. Your proposal should include the following:
- Expression-of-interest letter
- Statement on your philosophy on GenAI and Open Education, including reflection on protecting Indigenous people
- An optional positionality statement
- Curriculum vitae
- Hourly rate
Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement
BCcampus is committed to inclusion. From the workplace to our learning spaces, we value diversity and are actively working to decolonize our organization and the ways in which we collaborate with others. We believe a more diverse team will help us better support the individuals and communities with which we work.
We encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including but not limited to:
- First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all other Indigenous Peoples
- Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin
- Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities
- Persons who identify as women
- Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions
We recognize many of these identities intersect and therefore equity, diversity, and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions each person brings and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our community.
For more information, please read the BCcampus EDI Statement and Anti-Racism Statement.
If you have further questions, please email Robynne Devine at rdevine@bccampus.ca.