AI becomes a natural part of all Chalmers programmes

Through a recently adopted strategy, Chalmers has a coordinated approach to digitalisation and AI in its educational programmes. The focus is on using and integrating AI in a smart and responsible way to strengthen teaching, learning and critical thinking – benefiting students both during their studies and in their future careers.

“The strategy is the map that helps us as a university navigate the rapidly changing AI landscape,” says Mikael Enelund, Dean of Education, who has led the work. “We are now showing that Chalmers aims to take a leading role in digitalisation and AI in higher education.”

The initiative covers the entire educational system: from pedagogy and learning outcomes to technology, infrastructure and support for teachers and students. The next step is to translate the strategy into concrete decisions, for example regarding programme content and learning environments.

All students will receive a solid foundation in digitalisation and AI. There will be opportunities for further specialisation through elective courses – and those who really want to focus on the field, and be part of driving future developments, will be able to do so at Chalmers.

Hello Victoria Granström! You are a student staff member and have been part of the working group that developed Chalmers’ strategy for digitalisation and AI in education. What impact do you think the strategy will have?

“I mainly see the strategy as a clear guide, ensuring that the whole university is moving in the same direction when it comes to AI in education. At the same time, it is positive that the strategy is overarching, but it also needs to be broken down into concrete elements – what we do, why we do it, and how it will be implemented in practice in courses and teaching.”
“The strategy is designed to remain relevant over time and provide a stable direction, but it will be updated regularly to keep pace with the rapid development of AI.”

What do you think is most important about the strategy from your perspective?

“It is a strength that the strategy takes technology, ethics and the human perspective equally seriously – it is about using AI tools in a critical and responsible way. AI challenges us not only technically but also biologically: if we ‘outsource’ our thinking to AI, for example when we are stressed or tired, we risk losing our own critical reflection and the motivation to think for ourselves. The strategy provides an important holistic perspective here.”

What is your advice when preparing for exams? How can AI be used as a smart and appropriate support for students?

“See AI as a tool to help you take control of your own learning process, not as a shortcut to pass a particular exam. Take some time to write a good prompt: explain which course you are taking, what you already know, how you learn best and what you need help with. Ask for guidance, feedback and practice questions rather than ready made answers or solutions.
“First, identify for yourself what you want to understand, and then use AI to bounce ideas, clarify concepts or create quizzes. And pay attention to how you feel – if you start losing track of what you actually understand, then your use of AI has gone too far and you need to take a step back.”

How has it been to take part in the group that developed the strategy?

“It has been both fun and educational. I have felt welcome, seen and heard, and the atmosphere has been encouraging. It has felt safe to contribute my perspective, even though as a student staff member I had a different background than many others in the group. I have a strong interest in the field and I am now studying for a Master’s degree in Education at Umeå University, specialising in cognitive neuroscience and IT and learning.”