The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall’s lecturer’s innovative approach to teaching literature through AI

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, a unique learning experience can undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on students.

It is not just about imparting knowledge anymore, it is about reshaping how that knowledge is delivered and engaging students in transformative ways.

At The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall, one lecturer is making waves with his innovative teaching methods that incorporate technology in a truly meaningful way.

Bradley Bester, a lecturer in humanities and social sciences, was recently honoured with two prestigious awards during the campus’ Lecturer Awards evening.

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He received the Dare to be Different Teaching Award for his courageous and innovative teaching practices and the EDTech Award for his impactful use of technology to enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

One of the standout strategies Bester employs is integrating artificial intelligence into his lectures. Instead of the traditional method of simply sharing thoughts on a discussion board, Bester challenges his students to utilise AI tools to craft summaries of their research on literature or poetry.

This innovative approach not only encourages creativity but also allows students to transform text into speech and create compelling visual representations of their work.

Imagine Shakespeare himself explaining the nuances of a literary piece – this is the kind of engaging educational experience Bester creates.

“Receiving the awards is incredibly gratifying, and it reinforces my belief that innovation in education is not just necessary but impactful,” Bester remarked.

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His vision for the future of education is ambitious, he sees a landscape where AI technology plays a pivotal role in transforming teaching and learning dynamics.

By harnessing AI’s capabilities, Bester envisions personalised learning experiences that cater to the unique needs of each student, making education not only more effective but also more inclusive.

Bester’s journey does not stop at AI, he also explores the integration of virtual reality (VR) classrooms within the metaverse.

Unlike conventional online platforms like Teams or Zoom, his VR classroom offers an immersive educational experience that closely mimics a real-world environment.

In this setting, students can walk around, interact with 3D objects, and collaborate in ways that transcend the boundaries of traditional video calls.

“The immersive setting not only boosted my engagement but also encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper connection with the material,” Bester explains.

This innovation has allowed him to bring historical figures to life as dynamic avatars, effectively connecting students with content previously seen as outdated.

Bester’s innovative approach to teaching literature with AI tools has transformed his lecture room into a futuristic learning environment that students will never forget.

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