Generative AI Transforming Teaching at NUS Through the ScholAIstic Platform
At the National University of Singapore, educators are embracing generative artificial intelligence to create more dynamic and personalised learning experiences. The ScholAIstic platform, developed by the university’s AI Centre for Educational Technologies, stands at the forefront of this shift. It allows students to engage in realistic simulations and guided discussions that build practical skills while giving instructors new tools to design and deliver courses.
Generative AI refers to systems capable of creating new content such as text, dialogue, or scenarios based on patterns learned from vast datasets. At NUS, this technology moves beyond simple automation to support deeper thinking and real-world readiness across disciplines.
Origins and Development of ScholAIstic
The platform traces its roots to a May 2024 collaboration between the AI Centre for Educational Technologies and the Department of Social Work. The initial goal was to help social work students practise handling sensitive client interactions in a safe, repeatable environment. Early versions simulated non-verbal cues and emotional responses, enabling learners to refine empathy, communication, and decision-making without the risks associated with actual client encounters.
Since then, ScholAIstic has expanded into dentistry, law, and healthcare education. It now supports both Socratic-style questioning that challenges students to reason step by step and immersive role-playing scenarios. Instructors can customise chatbots to align with specific course objectives, turning the platform into a flexible teaching companion.
Application in Social Work Education
In the course Values & Skills for Helping Relationships, students use ScholAIstic to simulate complex client situations. The chatbot provides immediate feedback on techniques such as the use of affirmations and active listening. Learners can repeat scenarios multiple times, experimenting with different approaches and receiving targeted guidance on areas for improvement.
Student feedback indicates increased confidence when transitioning to real clinical placements. The low-stakes setting reduces anxiety and allows focus on skill mastery. The Department of Social Work is now partnering with the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, and NUS Information Technology to add speech and visual avatar capabilities, creating even more lifelike training environments.
Enhancing Radiography Skills in Dentistry
The Faculty of Dentistry has integrated ScholAIstic into the course Oral & Maxillofacial Medicine, Pathology & Radiology. Students complete five radiographic case analyses through the chatbot before attending in-person tutorials. The platform guides learners through a structured process: describing visible lesions, categorising potential conditions, and proposing diagnoses with supporting rationales.
This preparation frees class time for deeper discussion and clarification of misconceptions. Instructors can focus on nuanced teaching points that benefit from human expertise while the AI handles repetitive practice and initial feedback. Plans are underway to review student-chatbot interactions to further refine prompt quality and consistency for future cohorts.
Broader Adoption Across NUS Faculties
Beyond social work and dentistry, ScholAIstic supports role-playing exercises in law and healthcare programmes. Students can practise client consultations, ethical decision-making, or diagnostic reasoning in controlled settings that mirror professional demands. The platform’s ability to simulate diverse perspectives helps develop cultural competence and critical thinking.
Instructors report that the tool streamlines course design by generating discussion prompts and scenario variations quickly. This efficiency allows more time for curriculum innovation and individual student support.
Benefits for Students and Educators
ScholAIstic offers several clear advantages. Students gain repeated, low-risk practice that builds confidence and competence. Personalised feedback helps identify specific skill gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed in large classes. Educators benefit from scalable support that complements rather than replaces human instruction.
The platform also promotes equity by giving every student equal access to practice opportunities, regardless of background or prior experience. This aligns with NUS’s commitment to inclusive, future-ready education.
Challenges and Considerations
Like any emerging technology, ScholAIstic requires careful implementation. Instructors must monitor chatbot outputs to ensure accuracy and address any biases or errors. Student data privacy remains a priority, with robust safeguards in place. Ongoing evaluation helps balance AI assistance with the irreplaceable value of human mentorship and real-world exposure.
Faculty development programmes at NUS support educators in integrating these tools effectively while maintaining academic rigour.
Future Outlook for Generative AI at NUS
Plans include expanding multimodal features such as voice and visual avatars, broadening disciplinary applications, and integrating insights from student performance data. The recent OpenGov Asia Recognition of Excellence Award 2026 highlights the platform’s impact and the university’s leadership in educational innovation.
As generative AI evolves, NUS continues to explore responsible, evidence-based approaches that enhance rather than disrupt the core mission of higher education.
Photo by Team Nocoloco on Unsplash
Implications for Academics and Researchers
For faculty and researchers interested in educational technology, ScholAIstic offers a living laboratory for studying AI-supported pedagogy. Opportunities exist to collaborate on refinements, evaluate learning outcomes, and publish findings that contribute to global conversations on AI in higher education.
PhD candidates and early-career academics may find pathways into this field through NUS centres focused on AI and learning sciences.
Actionable Insights for the Higher Education Community
Institutions considering similar tools can begin with targeted pilots in high-impact areas such as professional skills training. Key success factors include close collaboration between technologists and subject-matter experts, clear learning objectives, and continuous feedback loops with students and instructors.
Regular assessment of both technological performance and educational outcomes ensures sustained value.
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