S2Ep1: AI Avatars in Class: What's the Future of Learning?

In this episode, hosts Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Ryan Yung are joined by Dr Shahper Richter, a senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. They discuss the integration of AI tools in education, focusing on the use of chatbots named Jack and John. These digital tutors assist students with their learning by providing personalized support and answering queries in real-time. Dr Richter shares insights on how different student demographics interact with these AI tools and emphasises the importance of teaching students to use AI ethically and critically. The conversation also covers the impact of AI on educational practices and the role of educators in this evolving landscape. The episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating AI's challenges and opportunities in higher education.

01:29 Exploring Digital Avatars in Education

04:30 Chatbots and Personalised Learning

06:36 Challenges and Ethical Considerations

10:23 Integrating AI in Assessments

18:24 The Role of Educators in the AI Era

21:22 Critical Thinking and AI

24:56 Prompt Engineering and Best Practices