AI-powered academic support assistant
Developed in partnership with educators and integrated into select units across the University.
Virtual Peer answers student questions using approved course materials, including lecture slides, unit guides, assessment information, policies and other learning resources.
How can Virtual Peer help me with my studies?
Depending on the unit, Virtual Peer can provide an additional way to ask questions related to your studies, engage with course materials and reinforce your learning.
It can also answer routine administrative questions any time of day, helping you access information when you need it.
How can I access Virtual Peer?
Virtual Peer is being rolled out in a staged approach and is only available in select units at this time. Currently, approximately 4,000 students in select units have access to the tool.
It is anticipated that Virtual Peer will be rolled out more widely in coming semesters (sessions).
Do I have to use Virtual Peer?
No. Virtual Peer is a tool students can access to seek guidance on key administrative details of their unit. It’s up to you whether you use it or not.
In some units, Virtual Peer is embedded in learning activities that supplement students’ core learning. However, these activities are also opt-in and not mandatory.
Where Virtual Peer is used as a supplementary tool for learning in select units, students continue to complete their core learning in the usual way across in-person and online teaching modes, including lectures, classes, tutorials, teaching materials and online modules.
Regardless of your study mode, you can also continue to access direct teaching support from course convenors, unit convenors and tutors.
Is Virtual Peer replacing academic staff and tutors?
No. Virtual Peer is designed to complement what our educators at Macquarie University do.
By answering routine questions, it can give academic staff and tutors more time to focus on areas where their expertise and engagement with students matter most.
Virtual Peer is uploaded with information that is vetted and approved by course convenors and answers questions specific to that content.
If students have additional questions, they can raise these with tutors, as well as through direct communications with a course convenor and/or unit discussion boards.
All students at Macquarie University can also seek information from course convenors.
Does Virtual Peer deliver my core teaching?
No. Virtual Peer is an additional academic support tool, not a replacement for teaching. Your unit’s core learning activities and teaching arrangements remain separate from Virtual Peer.
Where Virtual Peer is used for teaching, it is an opt-in, supplementary tool to reinforce your learning and core teaching in a unit.
Core content is not delivered via AI or Virtual Peer; it is a supplementary tool designed to support student engagement and learning.
Does Virtual Peer change how my unit is delivered?
No. Units may be offered in person or online, with delivery modes varying between sessions.
These are different approaches to teaching, which have been in place well before AI, rather than a shift to AI-delivered teaching.
Different delivery modes also give students options to study in ways that best suit their needs and circumstances.
How can I be sure Virtual Peer enhances my education?
Virtual Peer has been developed in line with Macquarie University’s principles for the responsible use of AI, including academic integrity and educator oversight.
It has been developed in partnership with Macquarie University educators and only uses materials that are vetted and approved by course convenors.
Virtual Peer also provides students and educators with practical experience in using AI safely, ethically and effectively for educational purposes.
Who decides what information Virtual Peer can use?
Course convenors review and approve the materials and activities made available through Virtual Peer. They can also access and monitor students’ conversations with Virtual Peer.
What is Macquarie University’s approach to AI?
Macquarie University takes a human-first, mission-led and quality-driven approach to artificial intelligence (AI). The University will embrace AI where it strengthens its core missions in education, research and healthcare, enhances human capabilities and delivers genuine value.
AI is intended to support, not replace, human creativity, connection and judgement. People remain responsible for thinking critically, exercising oversight and questioning AI-generated responses. All AI initiatives are expected to meet the University's high standards for quality, reliability and usefulness, supporting the University's long-term interests and maintaining the trust of its community.
Does Macquarie University allow the use of AI in assessments?
Macquarie University has adopted a two-lane approach to assessment in response to the rapid development and widespread availability of generative AI.
The approach distinguishes between AI Open and Observed assessment.
AI Open applies to unsupervised assessment where the use of generative AI cannot feasibly be detected or excluded. In these circumstances, educators design assessment on the assumption that students may use AI.
Observed assessment takes place in supervised or otherwise controlled conditions and provides a means of assuring what students themselves know and can do. The use of AI in these assessments may be permitted or restricted depending on the purpose of the task.
Taken together, the two approaches allow students to learn how to work effectively and responsibly with AI while ensuring that the University can continue to assure student learning and achievement at course level.
The approach is set out in Macquarie University's position statement on AI in assessment.
All use of AI in assessment must comply with the University's position on the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Does Macquarie University use AI for marking assessments?
No.
Does Macquarie University use the AI function in Turnitin?
No.