Equitable GenAI Co-Pilot for Engineering Education

This JCU-led project develops an inclusive Generative AI (GenAI) Co-Pilot to enhance professional capability development in engineering education, with a strong focus on equity and accessibility. The initiative addresses persistent challenges faced by underrepresented student groups, including those from regional and rural areas, women, non-English-speaking backgrounds, neurodiverse learners, and first-in-family university students.

The Co-Pilot is co-designed with students and educators across multiple universities to ensure it reflects real learning needs and diverse lived experiences. Unlike general-purpose AI tools, this system is tailored specifically for engineering education and aligned with Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards. It supports the development of communication, teamwork, and ethical reasoning skills through structured prompts, scenario-based learning, and reflective feedback.

The project delivers three key outcomes: (1) a validated, open-access GenAI Co-Pilot integrated into learning environments; (2) an educator toolkit with practical resources for AI-enabled teaching; and (3) evidence-based guidelines for inclusive and responsible use of AI in engineering education.

By embedding human-centred design and inclusive pedagogy, this work provides a scalable solution to improve learning outcomes and reduce equity gaps. It also contributes to the broader transformation of engineering education in line with Engineering Futures 2035, supporting institutions in preparing graduates for complex, collaborative, and socially responsible professional roles.

Funding Sources to be Acknowledged:
Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE