Skip to main content Skip to local navigation
Prof. James Andrew Smith's Blog

AI in our Learning Management System

Posted on 31 December 2025

I opened up eClass today and saw this big disclaimer for the new AI system that management has added to the platform.

AI policy acceptance × Welcome to the new AI feature in eClass! This AI feature is powered by YU AURA, York University's Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system. It is designed to enhance your learning and teaching experience by providing intelligent support. Accuracy of AI-generated content YU AURA aims to provide helpful and relevant information. However, the accuracy of AI-generated responses may vary. Always verify the information provided to ensure it is accurate, complete, and appropriate for your specific academic context. How your data is processed All user data and interactions with YU AURA remain securely on York University servers. While external LLMs may be used to generate responses, no data is stored or retained by third-party providers. The system is designed to ensure that your information is processed securely and in compliance with York University’s Information Security Policy. A record of your interactions with the AI feature may be stored within YU AURA to support learning analytics and system improvement. This data is handled in accordance with York University’s Information Security Policy. If you have questions about how your data is used, please send an email to askit@yorku.ca. By continuing, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this policy.
A new AI policy has been rolled out and it's embedding itself into the learning management system, eClass, at York University.

I don't even know where to start with this. I suspected something like this was coming but I don't recall any real collegial conversation with management about its plans for implementing this. I'd be surprised if this has been discussed with YUFA or within Senate -- someone correct me if I'm wrong here.

One problem, among many, is the question of who owns the models that will be created from the intellectual property that is posted on eClass. How is this compatible with the collective agreement? How is it compatible with the intellectual property rights of authors from outside the University -- here, I mean things like slide decks and other material from the big publishing houses like Pearson.

Earlier in 2025 I began my transition away from eClass because it was clear that this kind of thing was coming down the pipe. It still boggles my mind that they're going through with it.

Nothing more to say right now given that it's December 31 and I've got other things on the burner right now.

a pen

James Andrew Smith is a Professional Engineer and Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department of York University’s Lassonde School, with degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta and McGill University.  Previously a program director in biomedical engineering, his research background spans robotics, locomotion, human birth, music and engineering education. While on sabbatical in 2018-19 with his wife and kids he lived in Strasbourg, France and he taught at the INSA Strasbourg and Hochschule Karlsruhe and wrote about his personal and professional perspectives.  James is a proponent of using social media to advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion as well as evidence-based applications of research in the public sphere. You can find him on Twitter.  You can find him on BlueSky. Originally from Québec City, he now lives in Toronto, Canada.