Are You AI Ready? Investigating AI Tools in Higher Education

This case study from University College Dublin (UCD) presents Are You AI Ready? Investigating AI Tools in Higher Education (April 2023–December 2024), a SATLE-funded, interdisciplinary initiative situated at university level. The project critically evaluated high-profile AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) using the DigComp 2.2 Digital Competence Framework and co-designed ‘AI Readiness’ resources for faculty and students. Following focus groups across three schools, the team developed a GenAI Capabilities Matrix and two self-directed online guides delivered via Brightspace and Pressbooks, with digital badges available upon completion (400 students certified to date). The project emphasises ethical AI use, digital competence, and scalable discipline-specific integration of GenAI across higher education.