In three years of studying at the University of Newcastle, one commerce student had never received a notification like he did on August 4.
The coordinator of his programming course was planning to teach some of the content through an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar.
While some students were worried it could affect their learning, the university said the short AI videos were part of demonstrating "real-world applications" of technology to students.
"My immediate reaction was not very good because I think it is really important to have human contact with all content that's being delivered," the third-year student said.
In online communication before classes start in the week of August 17, students in Introduction to Programming were told they would be one of the first cohorts at the university to experience AI-generated lecture delivery.
An updated course announcement clarified that the course coordinator would write the scripts and deliver the content by a digital avatar built in their image and voice.
Along with the AI-delivered lecture videos, the course would also include in-person labs and a live online "lectorial" with the course coordinator where students can ask questions.
The third-year commerce student was concerned he would struggle to be engaged in AI-delivered content.
"I think it is not going to be as effective for me taking notes, sometimes AI avatars are very monotone" he said.
He said while other programming courses had encouraged students to use AI to develop code, he had never had content delivered in this way.
"AI is growing very fast, and it's realistic that it is going to be used in more education ways, but I think giving students the option is really important," he said.
University of Newcastle acting pro vice-chancellor of education innovation Karen Blackmore said the computer programming course continued to include face-to-face laboratory sessions, live classes and one-on-one support.
She said all learning materials and assessments were designed and delivered by the lecturer.
"We acknowledged that some students have raised questions about the use of AI in the course, and the lecturer has engaged directly with students to provide further clarification about how the technology is being used to support their learning," Professor Blackmore said.
She said even with new technologies, academics remain central to teaching and learning at the university.
"Just as language students learn through immersion in the language they are studying, exposing computing students to AI technologies is an important part of their education," she said.
University of Newcastle student representative council president Imogen Reid said she felt students were upset with not knowing about AI content before taking the class.
"I think we are still in a difficult position in education where we are trying to figure out where AI sits," she said.
"From my perspective, AI should never replace the most important part of teaching and I think that human connection."
She felt it was important to let students know ahead of time and be involved in consultation.
"I think students just really want consistency because you get told don't use AI at all for your assignments, but then you might be getting it taught to you," she said.
"I think we're still kind of in the realm of ethical considerations about AI, I think it's hard for students when they can't necessarily consent to that or really opt out."
National Tertiary Education Union president Terry Summers said AI could offer some advantages to academics, such as helping with administrative tasks and freeing up time for student interaction.
"AI may be a valuable tool but it's only a valuable tool when those increases in productivity and efficiency are passed onto students," he said.
