IU ALLOWS USE OF AI CHATBOTS IN ACADEMIC CONTEXT
Erfurt, 30 March 2023. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany's largest university with over 100,000 students, allows the use of AI chatbots in an academic context and encourages its students to use tools like ChatGPT. AI chatbots are excellent research tools for obtaining basic information, finding ideas and topics, structuring papers or essays, translating complex texts into simpler language and generating interview questions.
Syntea, a specially developed learning assistant, has been in use at the IU since last year. This learning assistant also uses AI, but goes one step further than an AI chatbot: Syntea uses a question-answer system to determine the students' personal level of knowledge and answers individual questions about the learning material. Since the answers come directly from the virtual learning library of the IU International University of Applied Sciences and are approved by tutors within 24 hours, they are academically validated and thus relevant for exams. In addition, Syntea enters into dialogue with the students by asking questions in turn in order to query the learning material and interact with the students.
The Rector of IU, Prof. Dr. Holger Sommerfeldt, emphasises: "Syntea offers an interactive and personalised learning experience that will positively accompany learning progress. Our university has been an innovator in digital learning tools for years and is already actively integrating them into teaching."
IU allows the use of AI chatbots in an academic context and encourages its students to use tools like ChatGPT.
With over 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution with its headquarters in Erfurt began operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. Students from over 190 nations design their studies according to their needs: whether practice-integrated dual studies, flexible distance learning or individual “myStudium”, which combines online self-study and campus life. IU wants to give people worldwide access to personalised education for a fulfilled and self-determined life. In more than 250 bachelor's, master's and MBA programmes, including over 50 in English, IU teaches students key skills relevant to the future. A digitally supported learning environment and the use of AI solutions help students to achieve optimal learning results and experiences. IU is one of the first universities in the world to have developed and deployed its own AI-supported learning buddy. IU cooperates with over 15,000 companies and supports them in the academic training of professionals. Partners include Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: iu.org
The AI-supported learning buddy "Syntea" is now available as a public demo version in the ChatGPT store at the following link: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-P5olqoCPc-syntea
