Learning material: Learning and teaching in the age of Artificial Intelligence: how to use text-based AI in education.

Dear Lecturer, Dear Student,

Welcome to the learning material “Learning and teaching in the age of Artificial Intelligence: how to use text-based AI in education.”

This learning material has been created to support lecturers, researchers, and students at the University of Tartu in familiarising themselves with AI applications and using them purposefully, ethically, transparently, and critically.

Developing such material is challenging as the AI field evolves rapidly. However, as lecturers from four different fields in the University of Tartu’s working group on AI in teaching and learning, we have attempted to compile our current knowledge on AI and its meaningful application in teaching and learning. There will likely be new developments in the AI world when this material is published. Nevertheless, the general principles of using AI applications remain fundamentally the same, and by understanding the initial developments, you will be better equipped to navigate this rapidly changing field.

The development and use of artificial intelligence require significant energy resources and thus heavily burden the environment. The authors of this learning material emphasise that AI applications should not be used carelessly—they should never be employed to avoid completing a task independently. Use AI applications only when their use is substantively and practically justified!

This learning material is designed for independent study and takes approximately two academic hours. In the left-hand menu, you will find four main topic areas:

• What is artificial intelligence, and how does it work?
• Which AI applications can be used, and how do they function technically?
• Why should AI applications be used in learning and teaching?
• What can AI applications be used for?

The aim of this learning material is, on the one hand, to help conceptualise AI and its role in education and, on the other hand, to provide practical examples and recommendations on how to use AI effectively to support learning and teaching. While focusing on text-based AI, the material also offers guidance on applications that generate non-textual content. In addition to practical examples, the material includes interactive exercises to reinforce learning.

After completing this learning material, you will better understand how to adapt your teaching for the future. Enjoy your learning journey!

• Authors of the learning material: Inga Hiiesalu, Helen Hint, Yurii Kondratyk, Kristjan-Julius Laak, Krista Lepik, Triin Marandi, Kristian Pentus, Heiko Pääbo, Karl Rammo, Liina Tammekänd
• Editors: Helen Hint, Triin Marandi
• Translation form Estonian: Liina Tammekänd
  

• AI applications used in the development of this material: OpenAI ChatGPT (versions 3.5 and 4o), Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini.
• Development Period: August–November 2024
• Citation for this learning material: University of Tartu (2024). Learning and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: How to Use Text-Based AI in Education. Retrieved [date], https://sisu.ut.ee/ti/.