The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is proceeding cautiously as it explores the potential applications of generative AI in its student services. While discussions have begun regarding the adoption of this disruptive technology, the Sydney-based university is taking a measured approach and will not rush its implementation.
Associate Professor in Regulation and Governance at the UNSW Business School, Rob Nicholls, mentioned that one envisioned application for generative AI is its integration into chatbots designed to assist prospective students in finding suitable courses. Nicholls clarified that the university is still in the early stages of this exploration and is far from having a minimum viable product ready for testing.
As the Australian government seeks input on the use of generative AI in the education system, Nicholls explained that a finely tuned generative AI capability, trained on course handbooks, could simplify the process for future students in selecting their courses. This capability could effectively match students with the courses they are interested in pursuing.
Nicholls described the progress toward this capability as being in the “in-house drafts” phase, with no internal consensus yet on which large language model to use as the foundation and how to ensure privacy expectations are met. He emphasized the importance of fine-tuning the large language model to maintain course relevance and accessibility.
UNSW’s approach to practical applications of generative AI may be perceived as risk-averse, as the university aims to avoid mistakes in both the design and implementation phases. Nicholls noted that universities, in general, tend to be slower adopters of such technology due to their inherently cautious approach to risk.