As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how students learn, universities are exploring how to harness its benefits while protecting the critical thinking necessary for genuine learning to take place.
Recent research suggests around 80 per cent of Australian university students are already using AI to assist with their studies, highlighting the need for universities to respond in ways that support learning and protect academic standards.
OES is working with universities to navigate this shift, having developed and now scaling Ask Alvie, an AI learning assistant that provides personalised, around-the-clock support for university students.
Unlike generic AI tools, Ask Alvie is embedded into course units, providing context that helps ensure responses relate to course materials and align with learning objectives.
Drawing on 15 years of expertise in learning design and online education, OES developed Ask Alvie based on sound pedagogy, Assurance of Learning principles and input from academics and students.
Since its launch in 2023, the AI learning assistant has continued to evolve, guided by a commitment to using AI in ways that support learning while maintaining academic standards and critical thinking.
For students, that means access to support whenever and wherever they need it. Acting like an always-on tutor, Ask Alvie can provide instant feedback, quizzes to check understanding, study tips, guidance on assignment requirements and a safe space to ask even the simplest of questions.
By encouraging students to explain their thinking and test their understanding, the AI learning assistant can help build confidence and deepen understanding.
It may also help make learning more accessible for students facing barriers to participation by giving them more flexible ways to get help when they need it.
For educators, Ask Alvie can help answer routine student queries, freeing up time to focus on teaching activities that can make a bigger impact on student learning.
Importantly, the tool operates within agreed guardrails to help protect student privacy and uphold academic standards. This matters as universities navigate rapid advances in AI and growing student expectations around seamless, digital-first learning experiences.
For OES Director, Generative AI, David Paroissien, it’s all about getting the balance right.
We know AI has enormous potential to improve the online learning experience but only if it’s applied in ways that strengthen learning outcomes. Ask Alvie simplifies the learning journey and provides personalised support designed to help students stay engaged, build confidence and deepen learning.”
The technology is attracting strong interest from university partners across Australia, with a further Ask Alvie deployment planned for the second half of 2026.
At Swinburne Online, a pilot is underway in select course units to enhance the learning experience.
Early results indicate students who used Ask Alvie had a 4% higher assignment submission rate and a 12% higher pass rate than non-users.
The findings are supported by positive student feedback, with one student saying,
[Ask Alvie] is really valuable and has made me feel extremely confident in my learning capabilities. I like the conversational feel, and that it doesn’t just tell you you’re right or wrong, it elaborates and shows you how to refine this knowledge.”
The pilot reflects a broader shift in how universities are engaging with AI, according to Swinburne University of Technology Pro Vice-Chancellor of Educational Innovation, Professor Llew Mann.
We are preparing our learners to become the tech-fluent pioneers of the future, which is why we’ve taken steps to work proactively with AI, rather than against it.”
Ask Alvie is also attracting industry recognition, with the tool named a finalist in the 2026 EdTech Awards Artificial Intelligence Solution category.
OES is continuing to enhance Ask Alvie, including exploring ways to provide educators with insights that could help guide teaching approaches. For example, aggregated, de-personalised data from Ask Alvie prompts could highlight topics students consistently find challenging, enabling educators to address learning gaps more efficiently.
Ask Alvie is part of OES’ growing suite of AI-enabled tools, designed to support more personalised, responsive learning experiences that keep educators firmly front and centre.
