Artificial intelligence in higher education

What role should artificial intelligence play in higher education? From ChatGPT to DeepSeek, generative AI (GenAI) tools of all kinds are forcing a rethink of university teaching, assessment, research and administrative work. Find out how to build AI literacy across an institution, use GenAI to support learning, harness AI tools as teaching and research assistants and manage the risks posed by GenAI and other AI technologies.

By kiera.obrien , 26 June, 2026

The case for the omnichannel AI assistant

A virtual assistant can make learning seamless, ubiquitous and scalable while addressing common faculty concerns regarding AI integration. Here’s how

Reading time

5minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 26 June, 2026

How agentic AI brings interactivity to STEM learning

When applied thoughtfully, agentic AI has the potential to turn classrooms into environments where students actively explore complex systems rather than passively absorb information

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 24 June, 2026

A surprising ally in the fight to make chemistry greener – AI

A robot uses a microscope in a laboratory

While making chemistry more sustainable is paramount, tiny changes to lab materials and conditions can have significant effects. Can AI’s data-crunching abilities help?

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 24 June, 2026

The best way to teach students to think critically about AI? Make them argue with it

Educators might treat AI as an integrity problem, but employers don’t. They need graduates who can decide when to trust the machine – and when not to. And that’s why you should design assessment that forces students to argue against AI

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 23 June, 2026

Environmental researchers know the impact of AI – so why do they still use it?

A scientist stands in a greenhouse with a tablet

Academics are increasingly using AI for research, despite being aware of its environmental footprint. But is it their fault – and what can be done?

Reading time

5minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 23 June, 2026

What virtual reality and AI can do for language learners

Young woman wearing virtual reality headset

Virtual reality and artificial intelligence can support nervous students to progress from silence to speaking confidently in foreign language classes

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 18 June, 2026

‘AI literacy is everyone’s responsibility’

With higher education navigating rapid technological change, the key to embedding AI literacy in the workforce of tomorrow could be a focus on collaboration over competition

Reading time

5minutes

By kiera.obrien , 17 June, 2026

Teacher-directed instruction is dead – long live the future of education

A teacher addresses a classroom informally

Rather than react with fear to GenAI and attempt to ban it, let’s rethink traditional pedagogy instead, for more meaningful learning

Reading time

4minutes

By Eliza.Compton , 16 June, 2026

AI use tailored to creative-industry programmes requires institution-wide support

Female designer working with AI chat bot and an editing software - stock photo

Students working towards creative careers have mixed feelings about AI and its potential effects on their job prospects. So education must consider the best practice in the application of tools but also teach students design fundamentals

Reading time

4minutes

By kiera.obrien , 16 June, 2026

Five tips for using AI in university assessment

An illustration of a robot teaching a class about the human brain

Instead of trying to detect students using AI for their work, we need to think differently. Here’s where to start

Reading time

4minutes

Artificial intelligence in higher education