AI learning assistant: Frequently asked questions for student

  • The AI learning assistant is a generative AI (GenAI) tool, developed by the University of Melbourne as a learning resource for students. Located in subject sites in the LMS, the tool assists students with their learning by responding to queries about subject content, with responses based on information and guidance set by subject co-ordinators. It has two functions:

    • Chat – students can ask the tool questions about their subject. The AI learning assistant will respond based on information loaded by the subject coordinator.
    • Revision – the tool guides students through topics using probing questions and referencing material within the subject.

    The learning assistant is still under development , so we want to hear about students’ experience with it, including any issues or things that might be improved. Students can provide feedback here.

  • The assistant is currently a “beta” version and is undergoing continuous development. A staff trial of the tool was conducted in Semester 2, 2024 along with limited testing with a small number of students.

  • Yes. If a student uses AI generated material in the preparation of their assessment submission, this must be appropriately acknowledged and cited in accordance with the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). This includes any text generated by the AI learning assistant. Failure to do this represents a breach of academic integrity standards and may be subject to the penalties set out in the Student Academic Integrity Policy (MPF1310).

  • Like any other GenAI tool, the learning assistant may sometimes make mistakes.

    For every response the AI learning assistant provides, the sources used to generate that response are displayed. Clicking on a source will take you to that page or file in the subject site so you can review the information directly.

    As with any other AI tool, students remain responsible for the use they make of the tool’s outputs. Where mistakes that are generated by AI are reproduced in a student’s work, the student is accountable for those mistakes.

  • No, teaching staff will not be able to see how you are interacting with the tool. However, data on students’ interactions with the learning assistant will be stored in the LMS, and can be accessed in some circumstances e.g. in cases of alleged misconduct. Anonymised data on student interactions with the AI learning assistant may be accessed by subject coordinators to assist them in supporting student learning in future.

    All data inputted into the tool, including students’ queries, is encrypted in transit and stored encrypted in SparkAI, the University’s secure AI platform that safeguards sensitive information or data.

  • The University’s Study skills site includes a webpage on learning with GenAI: the page provides students with advice on how they can get the most out of GenAI tools, how GenAI can help develop writing skills, and on students’ obligations when using GenAI.

    Students may also consider joining UMSU’s Responsible Artificial Intelligence Development (RAID) club.