Macquarie University swaps in-person psychology classes with AI chatbot for two subjects
Summary
Macquarie University has introduced an AI chatbot named Virtual Peer into two mandatory psychology units, replacing weekly in-person tutorials. The tool guides students through scenario-based exercises and answers questions, but the university states it is optional and supplements core learning materials. Both subjects were online-only in the second semester, with in-person classes scheduled to return in alternate semesters from 2027. A student anonymously expressed feeling "short-changed" by the lack of human interaction, stating they felt they were "teaching this robot how to take jobs away from my teachers." The university claims the tool was designed with educators to support, not replace, staff, and can monitor student conversations. It was also used in other subjects, answering close to 80,000 questions in 2025 alone.
Key points
- Macquarie University's Virtual Peer is used in two psychology units, guiding students through scenario-based exercises.
- The AI tool is optional and supplements core learning materials, which include online readings, quizzes, and videos.
- Both subjects were online-only in the second semester, with in-person classes returning in alternate semesters from 2027.
- The university states the tool was designed with educators to support, not replace, staff, and can monitor student conversations.
- Virtual Peer answered close to 80,000 questions in 2025, with nearly as many in the first half of 2026.
- One student anonymously expressed feeling "short-changed" by the lack of human interaction.
- Macquarie University claims staff and students overwhelmingly found the tool valuable when surveyed.
Timeline
Two psychology units at Macquarie University are online-only and use Virtual Peer.
In-person classes for these subjects are scheduled to return in alternate semesters.
Virtual Peer answered close to 80,000 student questions.
The AI tool answered nearly as many questions as it did in all of 2025.
“"Instead of a group discussion or a tutor teaching you, it’s a class activity done with a robot."”
Background
Macquarie University has been one of a handful of Australian universities to systematically incorporate AI into teaching, alongside the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney.
Why it matters
The introduction of AI chatbots in place of human tutors has sparked student backlash and staff concerns about job security and the loss of essential human interaction in education.