AI Lunch Talks FdR en EB

April 9, 2026, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Effects of AI on learning

Theory and evidence on the effects of GenAI use on learning and cognition

AI is changing the way students learn—sometimes for the better, sometimes not. In this lunch lecture, we will explore how GenAI affects learning processes and cognition in general. We will look at relevant cognition theories to frame the challenge of AI in education and we will discuss recent empirical research on the use of AI in higher education. This lunch talk will help you understand when AI supports learning, when it undermines it, and how we can guide students in using AI in a way that actually enhances their skills.

Learning objectives

1. You can explain how AI can both enhance and hinder learning through processes of deskilling, offloading, and cognitive scaffolding.
2. Recognize how student characteristics, task design, and AI tool features influence learning outcomes when AI is introduced.
3. Understand the challenges of AI and learning based on relevant theoretical frameworks and recent empirical research;
4. Develop a sense of what is needed to integrate AI into education so that we ensure the development of essential academic skills.

April 21, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Personas

Advanced chatbot development in UvA AI Chat and how to use it for education

In this lunch session, teachers will be introduced to working with UvA AI Chat through persona-based chatbot design. Participants will learn how to build and customize AI personas that can reliably perform specific tasks, support educational activities, or simulate expert roles. During the session, different types of chatbots (task, discussion, and information retrieval bots), design principles, common pitfalls, and live examples of how personas can improve teaching, learning, and research workflows will be discussed.

Learning objectives

1. Understanding standard prompts and personas, how they differ from basic GenAI usage, and when each is appropriate;
2. Explaining why well-designed personas are valuable and distinguishing between the main types (task, discussion, and information retrieval bots);
3. Know the design strategy for a simple persona, including the use of AI ‘cheat codes’ to accelerate development;
4. Recognize pitfalls and limitations in persona design and know how to avoid them;
5. Evaluate how and by whom personas can be created and used (individually, collaboratively, created by students), and clarify the difference between personal and classroom use.

May 26, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Optimize artifacts with AI

How can you get the most out of using artifacts in UvA AI Chat (e.g., to save time)?

The purpose of this lunch session is to inform teachers about the use of artifacts in UvA AI Chat. By the end of the session, lecturers will understand what artifacts are and how they can use them effectively within UvA AI Chat. The session covers basic to advanced knowledge, provides practical examples, and includes a roadmap of upcoming features of UvA AI Chat.

Learning objectives

1. Understand what artifacts are and how they can be used in conjunction with generative AI;
2. Recognize the added value of artifacts, know when to use them and when not to;
3. Know how UvA AI Chat can be used effectively to create artifacts.

June 2, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Use of AI in learning activities

An overview of AI learning activities in educational practice, including what works and what doesn’t.

This lunch session aims to provide teachers with practical knowledge and skills to integrate AI into their teaching activities. The session covers innovative and advanced learning activities that use AI, with an emphasis on stimulating effective learning. The session offers practical examples and research insights into the impact of AI on education, as well as opportunities for discussion and exchange.

Learning objectives

1. Become familiar with effective examples of innovative/advanced learning activities with AI in educational practice;
2. Discuss practical strategies for implementing and effectively using AI in educational practice;
3. Be aware of current research in the field of integrating AI into educational practice.

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