At EPFL, a desire to better master AI for education

In a university dedicated to science and technology, how do teachers and students use generative AI (GAI)? To better identify practices and needs regarding GAI in the academic environment, the Center for Digital Education (CEDE) and the Center for Learning Sciences (LEARN) conducted two surveys at EPFL in 2024. One in the spring semester, with 524 students responding, and the other in the fall semester, with 109 teachers responding. Among teachers, 61.5% of respondents use GAI, compared to 79% among students. ChatGPT has won over both teachers and students, with 93% of those using GAI mentioning it.

Support for Learning

According to the survey, students primarily use GAI as a learning aid, for example, to better understand concepts seen in class, as a coding or writing aid. Teachers mainly use GAI to create teaching materials and support student learning. "We were surprised that 86% of teachers expressed a desire to use GAI more than they currently do. To do this, they need clear guidelines, research-based best practices, training, and support. This is a massive call to action," notes Jessica Dehler Zufferey, Executive Director of the LEARN Center.

Nearly half of the teachers indicated that they had little or no skills in using GAI software. In this context, EPFL is working on guidelines, and workshops are being developed. Additionally, a chapter on AI has been included in the Teacher's Guide, and in the meantime, educational advisors are available to those who wish to use GAI in their courses.

"Special attention is needed to support teachers in formulating appropriate instructions for students, to guide them towards responsible use of GAI tools in their exercises, projects, and other evaluation situations," emphasizes Kim Lynn Uittenhove, scientific collaborator at the LEARN Center and co-author of the survey report conducted among teachers.

Critical Thinking and Concerns

Teachers who responded to the survey also want to better help the student community make appropriate use of GAI. The majority of teachers (62.8%) currently do not provide any specific instructions in this regard. "Teacher training will raise student awareness of AI limitations and clarify acceptable conditions of use in the context of studies," notes Patrick Jermann, head of the Center for Digital Education. "Even though I was surprised to find that students use AI in a way that does not short-circuit their learning. They show critical thinking and are very aware of the limitations of language models in mathematics and physics. It is also striking to read their many concerns about the transformations of the world to come."

Opportunities for Improvement

Hit hard by the arrival of GAI, students notably mention the transformation of the job market, the fear of AI surpassing human skills, the production of fake media, ethical concerns about the malicious use of AI, issues of fairness and bias, but also the lack of legal regulation. A recent EPFL study also highlighted the fact that students currently do not trust AI for feedback. However, as Kim Lynn Uittenhove notes, "GAI tools can offer unparalleled support for learning, multiplying active learning situations, feedback, and personalization."

As the survey shows, these tools also push teachers to modify their course content and evaluation methods. Thus, 52% of respondents see an opportunity to innovate and improve knowledge assessment methods. "Would you board a plane designed entirely by engineers evaluated during their studies only with multiple-choice exams? Probably not... An essential part of learning happens through projects that are evaluated through reports and oral defenses. In this context, it is impossible to be replaced by AI," concludes Patrick Jermann.