An Australian university has introduced an AI-powered chatbot to replace traditional in-person teaching in two mandatory psychology courses, marking a shift toward automated instruction. The system, called "Virtual Peer," handles weekly learning tasks by posing questions and leading students through interactive scenarios, raising concerns among academics about the broader impact on teaching quality. Critics warn this trend could lead to deeper staff reductions and erode key aspects of the academic experience. The move reflects a growing reliance on technology to manage coursework as universities rethink their teaching models.
University’s move is part of trend that critics within academia say will lead to further staff cuts and the loss of ‘everything that makes the job worth doing’An Australian university has swapped in-person classes with an AI chatbot, online quizzes and optional online tutorials in two subjects as institutions give the technology more teaching responsibilities.Macquarie University’s “Virtual Peer” is part of each week’s learning in two mandatory Psychology units, programmed to ask students questions and guide them through scenario-based exercises. Continue reading...
