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Macquarie University Replaces In-Person Psychology Classes with AI Chatbot in Two Subjects
Key points
- Macquarie University introduced an AI chatbot, "Virtual Peer," in two psychology subjects.
- In-person classes were replaced by online activities and optional online tutorials.
- The AI tool is designed to supplement learning and guide students through exercises.
- Students are assessed on research tasks and exams, not the AI or online activities.
AI Integration in Psychology Curriculum
Macquarie University has implemented an AI chatbot, named "Virtual Peer," into two mandatory psychology units. This AI tool is now a part of each week's learning, designed to ask students questions and guide them through scenario-based exercises. The university states that these AI activities are optional and serve to supplement the core learning materials, which include online readings, quizzes, and videos.
Shift from In-Person Instruction
Previously, both subjects included in-person classes during the first semester of the current year. The university has indicated that in-person classes will return in 2027 on an alternate semester basis, allowing students to choose their preferred learning format. Currently, neither the core online activities nor the AI-based activities are mandatory for assessment; students are evaluated solely on separate research tasks and exams.
Student and University Perspectives
One anonymous student expressed feeling "short-changed" by the shift to an online-only option, comparing the AI interaction to "a robot" replacing a tutor. Macquarie University, however, maintains that the "Virtual Peer" was developed in collaboration with educators to support, rather than replace, human instruction. Professors upload and verify the information used by the AI, which the university suggests makes it less prone to generating incorrect content compared to general-purpose AI tools. The university also monitors student conversations on the service.
Continued Human Support and Cost
Despite the AI integration, the subjects still offer paid tutors who conduct optional weekly Zoom sessions. An introductory subject with 400 students has six sessions per week, while a final-year subject with 700 students offers ten sessions weekly. Students are encouraged to attend these sessions for human feedback. Each psychology subject costs $2,174 for Australian students with commonwealth supported places in 2026, contributing to a three-year undergraduate degree cost exceeding $50,000.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Macquarie University has replaced in-person classes with an AI chatbot, online quizzes, and optional online tutorials for two mandatory psychology subjects. This change integrates AI into core learning activities, allowing students to engage with a "Virtual Peer" for scenario-based exercises and questions.