Beyond Bans - Higher learning to empower students with AI judgment, not fear

Higher education institutions throughout the world are grappling with how to deal with artificial intelligence (AI), with some choosing a punitive approach that attempts to police AI usage. STADIO Higher Education has chosen instead to embrace AI.

Rather than banning AI tools, STADIO has developed a clear “traffic light” framework that empowers students to use AI responsibly while preparing them for the realities of an AI-driven workplace.

“As a higher learning institution, we should not be scared of AI. We recognise that it’s not going away – it’s already transforming how people live and work, and our responsibility is to ensure our students graduate ready for this world,” says Dr Jolanda Morkel, Head: Instructional Design and Senior Research Academic at STADIO. “That includes knowing how, when and why to use or not use AI.”

Teaching discernment through the traffic light model

To help students develop the ability to discern appropriate use of AI, STADIO has introduced a traffic light model to guide the use of AI in assessments. Every assignment is clearly marked as Red (AI not permitted), Amber (AI use optional), or Green (AI use required). Dr Morkel explains that:

Red assessments build students’ independent skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, where human judgment is essential.Amber tasks allow students to decide whether to use AI tools for support activities, such as brainstorming or editing, which teaches discernment and responsibility.Green assessments require students to use AI, for example to speed up repetitive tasks or generate ideas, helping them to practice how AI can boost productivity in professional contexts.“Through this approach, students don’t just learn how to use AI – they learn when to use it, and why it matters,” explains Morkel.

AI as a new literacy

AI is now as important as reading, writing, and numeracy. “Just as we expect students to develop language and numerical literacy, we must also cultivate AI literacy,” says Morkel. “This includes knowing how to use AI responsibly, how to evaluate its outputs, and how to apply it ethically in different contexts.”

By embedding AI literacy across its curriculum,  we ensure that our graduates leave with the confidence and skills to use AI as a tool, not a crutch. The emphasis is always on academic integrity, critical engagement, and authentic learning, while also recognising the workplace advantage that AI skills can bring.

Preparing graduates for tomorrow’s workplace

For STADIO, the goal is simple: to graduate students who are both work-ready and future-ready. By using the traffic light model and broader AI guidelines, students practice skills that mirror real-world expectations. In the workplace, there will be tasks where AI is not appropriate, tasks where it may be helpful, and tasks where it is indispensable.

Through exposure to all three categories during their studies, Morkel believes STADIO graduates gain a competitive edge – entering the workforce not only as professionals in their chosen fields, but also as competent, ethical users of AI.

“AI is one of the defining technologies of our time,” she says. “By embracing it as a partner in education, we are ensuring that our graduates are prepared not just to adapt, but to thrive.”

Supporting both students and staff

While many academics treat AI with suspicion, STADIO is working to help its staff see it as a valuable partner in improving educational outcomes. The institution is actively investing in upskilling its lecturers and academic teams to use AI effectively in teaching, assessment design, and research.

“Faculty need the same confidence as students in working with AI,” notes Morkel. “By equipping our staff, we can model ethical use, design smarter learning experiences, and continuously innovate in how we deliver education.”