lunch&LEARN: AI in Education at EPFL: Practices and Needs of Students and Teachers

During the spring semester of 2024, a survey involving 524 students revealed that a large majority (79%) are incorporating AI tools into their studies at EPFL. We investigated how students use these tools, as well as their experiences and concerns. Additionally, we examined the factors influencing the use of AI tools, including students’ attitudes toward AI and the perceived availability of academic support. The results of this survey, particularly the widespread adoption of AI tools among students, raise important questions about EPFL teachers' perspectives on AI tools.

In a second survey conducted during the autumn semester of 2024, 61.5% of 109 teachers reported using AI tools themselves in their teaching practice, mainly for designing materials. Notably, 86.0% expressed a desire to use AI tools more extensively. However, many teachers are uncertain about how to manage AI tool use in students, and the majority (62.8%) indicated that they do not currently provide specific instructions for this. Teachers expressed a strong demand for clear guidelines and information to support both their own integration of AI tools and to manage the use of these tools in students. Furthermore, there was also demand for skill-building opportunities, such as workshops and training, and for secure IT infrastructure providing safe AI tools.

The combined results from both students and teachers show that AI tools are becoming an important part of education at EPFL. Moreover, the results indicate the need for strategic institutional support to integrate these tools in ways that benefit both teachers and students. The findings of both surveys will be presented during the session and their interpretation and conclusions for education at EPFL will be discussed.

This event is hybrid. It will be held both in room ME A3 31 and via zoom (register/join via the link or QR code).