ASPIRE: a pedagogical framework for integrating generative artificial intelligence in public health education

The rapid integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in higher education has intensified concerns regarding assessment validity, academic integrity, and educational equity. In response, higher education institutions have mobilised significant resources to address these challenges. However, many responses remain largely discursive, relying on policies or guidance to regulate student behaviour without addressing the underlying design of learning and assessment. Such approaches risk superficial engagement and may exacerbate inequities in GenAI-enabled learning environments. This paper presents ASPIRE, a data-informed and theory-driven pedagogical framework that emerged from the iterative integration and evaluation of GenAI within a postgraduate Epidemiology and Principles of Research unit at the University of Canberra (Australia). Drawing on insights from this evaluative work and grounded in established educational design principles, including constructive alignment and scaffolded learning, ASPIRE conceptualises GenAI as a cognitive and epistemic resource shaped by learning and assessment design. The framework guides educators through a structured design cycle that involves A ssessing curriculum and assessment for pedagogically appropriate GenAI integration; S caffolding students’ AI literacy and ethical engagement; P lanning assessments that make students’ reasoning and judgement visible; I mplementing learning and assessment with clear expectations and guided support; R eflecting on teaching practice and student learning processes; and E valuating outcomes to inform ongoing refinement. Developed within public health education, ASPIRE responds to discipline-specific priorities, including ethical decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and evidence-based reasoning. While grounded in this context, the framework is adaptable to other applied disciplines facing similar ethical and assessment challenges. ASPIRE offers educators a coherent approach to integrating GenAI in ways that support meaningful learning and responsible professional preparation.