[3C2] Widening Participation in the Digital Age: Embracing AI and Equity-Centric Communications to enhance first-year tertiary students’ engagement and sense of belonging.

At the University of Otago, a novel approach uses AI, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance engagement and belonging among first-year tertiary students, focusing on those from underrepresented backgrounds. The strategy involves tailoring communications and simplifying assessment instructions using equity-centric AI prompts. This method has shown positive effects on student connection and performance, especially in making assessment instructions more accessible. The pilot study, while limited in scope, highlights AI’s potential in fostering inclusive and equitable education, suggesting a broader application across various courses to support diverse student cohorts.