Quebec finally unveils practical guides for integrating AI into CEGEPs and universities

Nearly three years after the emergence of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) in students’ educational pathways, Quebec is preparing to enter the digital age with the start of the new school year at CEGEPs and universities. The Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry, recently presented two essential documents to support institutions in the responsible and secure integration of AI. These guides aim to democratize the use of AI while respecting institutional autonomy, by providing a framework and guidelines for practical and collaborative use. These initiatives mark a significant first step toward adapting higher education to this new technological reality.Nearly three years after the arrival of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) in students’ lives, Quebec is presenting two documents intended to guide higher education institutions in the responsible integration of AI. Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry emphasizes the importance of democratizing AI while respecting institutional autonomy. While not mandatory, these guides aim to provide a common foundation to support CEGEPs and universities in implementing this technology. The reference framework and practical guide

The first document, a reference framework, is the result of the work of the consultation body dedicated to the challenges of AI in higher education. Its main objective is to ensure a beneficial deployment for all, while respecting academic freedom. The second, a practical guide developed by the AI consortium IVADO, offers practical advice to help institutions navigate this new technological landscape effectively. These tools, while non-binding, provide a valuable roadmap for institutions wishing to embrace AI without compromising their autonomy.

Respect for Institutional Autonomy

Minister Déry emphasizes the non-prescriptive nature of these guides. She reiterates that the objective was not to legislate strictly, but to propose a consensual approach that meets the varied needs of institutions. Given the diversity of institutions, the idea was to allow each institution to develop its own rules for AI deployment, while benefiting from a common framework. The dynamic nature of technology justifies such flexibility, since any restrictive framework could quickly become obsolete.

Publication of the guides: between criticism and justification

The late publication of these tools has drawn criticism, particularly from student federations. They criticize the untimely timing, coming just before the start of the academic year. Pascale Déry, however, defends this timeline, stating that the consultation process was carried out quickly to ensure the inclusion of all voices from the academic sector. It was essential to take the time to bring together all stakeholders involved in order to create documents representative of the network’s needs.

Keeping people at the center of education

One of the fundamental axes of the published documents is the importance of the human in the educational relationship. The minister reiterates that AI must be seen as a tool to strengthen this relationship, not to replace it. Suggestions include the use of intelligent tutoring systems and teaching assistants, with the underlying idea of ensuring that each institution chooses the practices that best suit its unique needs, while ensuring transparency about the use of AI.

Finally, the issue of plagiarism is addressed indirectly in the documents, which emphasize intellectual integrity. Institutions are encouraged to integrate AI into their existing discipline codes, to minimize the risks associated with this rapidly evolving technology.