Guide: Practical Case Studies

Introduction

On this page, you will find an overview of activities related to the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning activities by the partners of EmpowerAI consortium. 

The following guide is aimed at the academic staff members in the field of social science and humanities, who are interested in using and integrating AI tools in their teaching practices.

The following guide brings together practical case studies, recommendations and tips of how AI could be integrated in a purposeful, ethical, transparent, and critical way to enhance teaching and learning activities. 

The guide consists of:

• Introduction
• Definition of AI
• Glossary
• Ethical considerations
• Tips for prompt writing
• Practical case studies from EmpowerAI consortium:
  • AI & critical thinking: (University of Turku) Promoting critical thinking with AI-based tools 
  • AI & research methods: (University of Tampere) “Hive-minding” AI in Higher Education
  • AI & thesis writing: (University of Tampere) Insights from Workshop “AI in Bachelor Thesis Writing”
  • AI & classroom activities: (University of Tartu) Integration of AI into classroom activities
  • AI & simulations: (University of Tartu) How to enhance IR simulations with an AI tool?
  • AI & exam prep: Kaunas University of Technology) How AI Summaries Help Students Prepare for Exams
  • AI & feedback writing: (University of Tartu) AI as grading assistant (writing assistance)
  • AI & grading: (University of Tartu) AI as grading assistant (automated) 
• Useful material for piloting

Each case study includes a) general description of the context when AI was used in study process; b) implementation stages; c) advantages for learners and teaching staff and d) key take-away and recommendation. To read more about each case study, navigate to the left side of the webpage and click on the corresponding drop-down section.

The webpage is managed by the coordinator of EmpowerAI consortium – University of Tartu, which will update the page for the duration of the project. If you have any feedback or suggestions, concerning the page – please contact Anna Beitane (Head of Digital Education Projects), anna.beitane@ut.ee 

Disclaimer

The authors of this guide have used various AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Co-pilot, NotebookLM, and others, as examples. The mention of these tools is solely for illustrative purposes and does not constitute promotion or endorsement. When selecting any AI tool, please ensure it complies with your university’s privacy and security policies, and verify its compatibility with institutional requirements before use.

How to reference the guide 

Beitane, A. Danilavičienė, G. Kasperė, R. Kondratyk, Y. Motiejūnienė, J. Peltonen, H. Pääbo, H. Riekkinen, J. Salmi, L. Sipinen, J. Veivo, O. (2025). Practical examples on the use of AI in teaching and learning activities. Guide developed as part of Nordplus project “Empowering Social Sciences Educators on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom”.