What students gain and lose as AI chatbots take over parts of university teaching

As artificial intelligence (AI) teaching tools become more prevalent in university classrooms, students experience both benefits and drawbacks. Macquarie University's Virtual Peer, an AI chatbot, now assists in two psychology units, replacing Zoom tutorials and other online activities. The University of Sydney also faces staff walkouts amid growing concerns about job security as AI tools become more commonplace.

However, students express worry that relying on AI could diminish the value of their degrees. AI's role in university teaching encompasses four primary functions: tutoring, lecturing, feedback provision, and marking, all historically performed by human educators. Among the most common uses of AI is providing timely feedback, which students frequently complain is lacking.

AI platforms like Cogniti allow students to receive 24/7 feedback on assessments before submission. Universities also experiment with AI study buddies to support new students and answer their questions during the transition into university. Some systems even extend tutoring through practice and rehearsal, such as La Trobe University's Fletch, an AI avatar that plays a disgruntled parent while trainee teachers navigate challenging conversations.

Although AI can offer around-the-clock feedback, some students fear this might devalue their degrees by replacing human interaction. From an institutional perspective, AI tools help universities monitor and control students' AI use, ensuring it supports learning rather than replacing it. In-house feedback AI agents also allow universities to set better controls and boundaries around students' AI use.

However, the lack of specific regulations around AI use in courses complicates the assessment of these risks. While AI can be inaccurate, generate false information, and present Western male viewpoints, it can also communicate with students in their native language and provide valuable feedback. The absence of human recognition, though, poses a significant loss when educators are replaced by AI.

Human educators recognize students by challenging weak arguments, acknowledging genuine progress, and expecting more from them. While AI can generate clear and useful feedback, it lacks the ability to recognize the student, potentially diminishing the educational interaction. Ultimately, the decision to incorporate AI in universities requires careful consideration of both the benefits and drawbacks, as well as the potential loss of human recognition in the learning process.