AI in teaching: Kufstein Uni starts research with Mozambique

03.03.2025
Research

Mag. Uta Fessler-Purkarthofer, MBA (left), and Prof. (FH) Dr. Peter Schneckenleitner (center, 2nd from left) from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol with research partners from Mozambique.

How can artificial intelligence be meaningfully integrated into teaching? The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and the Universidade Zambeze in Mozambique are jointly researching how AI can optimize the learning process for marketing and communication experts.

As part of the Africa UniNet program, the university lecturers Mag. Uta Fessler-Purkarthofer, MBA, and Prof. (FH) Dr. Peter Schneckenleitner from the FH Kufstein Tirol have joined forces with research partners from the Universidade Zambeze. The aim is to investigate how AI can be meaningfully integrated into teaching and what skills / competencies students need to meet the requirements of the labor market.

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON AI USAGE IN TEACHING

Both research teams are investigating what expectations companies in Austria and Mozambique have of graduates and how generative AI affects marketing and communication. A particular focus is on the differences and similarities in academic education and the needs of the economy in both countries. To this end, experts from the fields of marketing and communication are being interviewed.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Experts agree that AI will drastically change the field of marketing and communication – although some ideas about future challenges are still vague and teaching concepts must be adapted accordingly. Possible approaches include the development of AI-supported learning apps to enable students to complete practical exercises. The results of the study will not only influence course content at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol in the future, but will also contribute to the further development of innovative teaching methods.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES

The research project not only offers scientific insights, but also promotes intercultural dialogue between Austria and Mozambique. The exchange of knowledge, teaching methods and technological approaches opens up new perspectives for both higher education institutions. Through collaboration, students and researchers gain deeper insights into different educational systems, economic requirements and cultural approaches to technological developments. This not only strengthens academic networks, but also contributes to a more global understanding of AI and its potential in different social contexts.

FUTURE PROSPECTS OF RESEARCH COOPERATION

Students at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol have already actively participated in research by conducting and evaluating interviews as part of their practical project. The next steps include analyzing the data collected and publishing the first pieces of academic writing. In the long term, the research partners want to expand the cooperation further in order to develop sustainable educational strategies for the AI sector – with the aim of preparing students even better for the digital challenges of the future.