In response to the rapid emergence and disruptive impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in higher education, a funded national initiative (N-TUTORR GenAI:N3) was established in September 2024 to support institutional and sectoral responses to this evolving landscape across Ireland. Atlantic Technological University (ATU) was an active member of this project that developed shared resources and professional development opportunities to enable educators and learners to engage with Gen AI in an informed, ethical and professional manner. This paper will demonstrate the successful initiatives undertaken by ATU as part of this project.

As part of the national programme, a series of hackathons were delivered across multiple locations to promote critical engagement with Gen AI and to challenge prevailing narratives regarding its role in higher education. Participants explored how Gen AI may reshape assessment practice while maintaining core academic values, including authentic assessment, pedagogical integrity, and academic rigour. The participatory format supported dialogue, experimentation, and staff/student partnership.

“AI Play” workshops were designed to reduce uncertainty and build confidence through guided, hands-on exploration of Gen AI tools. ATU delivered multiple AI Play workshops across the Galway, Sligo, and Donegal campuses from November 2024 to the present day. These workshops discussed AI literacy, ethical and inclusive practice, and assessment redesign. Additional workshops have also been added at ATU to support staff in specific schools in assessment redesign in light of new developments in the area of GenAI. Feedback demonstrated strong impact, with a very high satisfaction rating from participants, and workshops have continued and are being updated on an ongoing basis in response to increased demand. ATU also contributed a number of case studies and resources to the national GenAI network website and e-book. All resources will be shared and are available at : GenAI:N3 – Gen AI: N-TUTORR National Network