Scholarly Interests

Elena Rakitskaya’s research focuses on assessment in higher education, particularly how generative AI is reshaping the evaluation of student learning. Her work examines the limitations of take-home written assignments in contexts where AI can produce academically sophisticated responses without clear evidence of understanding. She explores alternative approaches to assessment that emphasize observable reasoning, interaction, and presence.

In a separate line of research, she examines embodied learning and cognition in art studio environments in the context of AI.

Faculty & School/Dept

• Faculty of Education -

Courses Taught

• Apprenticeship Learning and Learning Communities (ED/EDST 3200)
• Experience, Inquire, Contribute II (EIC): Inquiry Project (ED/EDST 4999)
• Inquiries Into Learning (ED/EDFE 2100)
• Policy and Practice (ED/EDST 4300)
• Research Into Practice (ED/EDFE 4200)
• Research Methods in Educational Studies (ED/EDST 3800)
• Teaching and Learning with Digital Technology (ED/EDUC 3770)

Selected Publications

• Elena Rakitskaya and Tasso Lakas (2024). The Truth about Lies and Lies about the Truth Cultural and Pedagogical Inquiry, 16.
• Elena Rakitskaya (2023). Collaborative Learning in the Online Environment. IGI Global

Research Projects

AI and Assessment in Higher Education