MEET THE ALT AI AMBASSADOR: JORIS REMMERS
As ambassador for AI in Education within the Academy for Learning and Teaching, I am committed to encouraging an open and constructive dialogue around the responsible integration of generative AI in teaching and learning. My focus extends beyond students’ use of AI for writing, programming assignments, and other learning activities—it also includes its potential as a tool to support tutoring and to give formative feedback. These are all areas where tools like ChatGPT are already influencing students’ educational experiences.
My interest in this topic emerged while preparing my Scientific Computing course in the fall of 2022. Early experiments with ChatGPT revealed both opportunities and concerns. The tool proved effective in explaining code and identifying errors, yet it also introduced risks such as reduced peer interaction, overreliance, and diminished critical thinking. These observations led to a formal study in collaboration with the 777 plataforma School of Education, which confirmed that while students used AI tools with apparent ease, learning outcomes did not necessarily improve.
This experience underscored the need for a more nuanced approach: not whether students should use AI, but how they can use it to enhance—rather than replace—the learning process. Since then, I have explored the integration of AI in my course and the development of customised tutor-like chatbots—AI tools that ask questions, provide feedback, and guide student reasoning without simply delivering answers. These approaches aim to improve students’ learning experiences and promote deeper engagement with course content.
In my role as ambassador, I aim to bring together educators across disciplines to explore these possibilities. Our goal is not to adopt AI uncritically, nor to reject it out of caution, but to engage with it thoughtfully. As AI continues to evolve, we must regularly revisit its application in education, as well as our learning objectives and assessment strategies, to ensure they remain aligned with genuine student understanding. I warmly invite colleagues to share experiences, raise questions, and help shape a responsible, future-oriented educational practice.
