TIm Riswick
TIm Riswick

Historical research using Artificial Intelligence

TLC voucher project
Duration
2023 until now
Project member(s)
Dr T.G.M.W. Riswick (Tim)
Project type
Education

Motivation

The use of AI software while studying is becoming increasingly popular among students, but they are often insufficiently prepared for its effective use. At the same time, teachers and universities are struggling to integrate AI technologies into education.   

Tim Riswick hears from his colleagues that students of the Bachelor's programme in History spend a lot of time on the basic steps of research, such as selecting a topic and formulating a research question, instead of doing the actual research. Can artificial intelligence support students in doing historical research? 

Hypothesis

Tim strives for both students and teachers to learn to make responsible and effective use of AI software when conducting (historical) research. As a result, they will spend less time on the basic steps of the research process and there will be more time left for more attentive historical research. This innovation is not only relevant for the History programme but is also important for what other university programmes are doing concerning research. 

Desired solution 

In this innovation project, Tim is developing a new set-up of a theme lecture within the History programme, with a focus on teaching about the use of AI software during the research process. The structure of this theme lecture can also serve as an example for similar courses in other programmes. 

Plan of action

Tim wants to start by revising the set-up of the theme lectures, so that AI software will play a role in this. Subsequently, the revamped lectures will be given to the students, covering various AI software. In the lectures, students and lecturers reflect on the ways in which AI software can and cannot be used in the scientific research process.  

In addition, he develops student and lecturer manuals that describe how AI software can help in the various phases of (historical) research. It also contains an overview of which AI software is available for conducting research, with a reflection of the advantages and disadvantages of the various software. 

Funding

This project is funded by a TLC voucher from the Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre. This voucher programme aims to set up projects in the field of educational innovation, lecturer development and educational research.

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