Macquarie University Clarifies AI Chatbot's Role in Psychology Courses Amidst Global Debate
Macquarie University in Australia has clarified the role of its AI chatbot, Virtual Peer, in two mandatory psychology subjects, stating it's a 'supplementary tool' rather than a replacement for in-person teaching. This comes as the university shifts these courses to an online-first model, after initial in-person delivery in early 2026, with plans for a hybrid approach from 2027 offering students format choice. The move, however, has ignited debate among students and academics globally about the increasing integration of AI in education and its impact on human interaction and learning quality.














