The Use of AI at Tallinn University

Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, society and the world of work in ways that cannot be ignored. The nature of learning and teaching, research and creative work, and organizational development - and the tools used for these - are changing around us. Familiarity with artificial intelligence is no longer a choice; it has become part of contemporary academic practice.

If Tallinn University has set itself the goal of being a leader in smart ways of living, then our aim must also be the smart use of artificial intelligence. What this means in concrete terms is still evolving and will continue to change alongside developments in AI and its new applications. However, this shift certainly entails more than the ability to identify the most effective tools for achieving our existing goals. We need to rethink key processes that are integral to learning and research, such as assessment based primarily on texts produced “independently”, or the writing of research project proposals and peer reviews. This will likely also give us an opportunity to redesign the support processes that underpin our teaching and research activities. In doing so, we must ethically assess the future we are stepping into with this technology - what purposes we are serving - and seek ways to ensure that artificial intelligence advances, rather than undermines, the human pursuit of truth and curiosity for knowledge.

Today, no one has ready-made answers to the important questions associated with the use of artificial intelligence. Finding them may be possible if we come to understand the nature of AI, experiment with its capabilities, reflect on it, and learn how to use it.

Rector Tõnu Viik

TI

Principles for the Use of AI

Tallinn University supports and encourages the use of AI in research and teaching, as well as in the design of the University’s work processes. In using AI, we are guided by the following principles:

  • AI must be used ethically, i.e. in accordance with the principles of privacy and data protection, equal treatment, and the requirements of academic integrity.

  • AI-generated output must be approached critically by assessing its reliability, accuracy and relevance.

  • Transparency is essential when using AI, which means informing others about the ways in which it is used, the extent of its use, and its purpose.

  • In teaching, the lecturer has the right to decide how AI may be used, or to restrict its use.

To support the use of AI in research, the data protection guidance “Processing of Personal Data in Research” (in Estonian) is available. For teaching, the guidelines “Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching” (in Estonian) have been prepared.

In the context of national regulations, the key legal acts governing the use of artificial intelligence are the Personal Data Protection Act, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Copyright Act.

AI developers and implementers must comply with the requirements and obligations set out in the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), and the University must ensure compliance with the Cybersecurity Act (KüTS) when introducing and deploying AI solutions.

Supporting Materials

 

Koolitused

AI training and materials

The smart use of AI is based on an understanding of the core concepts behind how AI works, its potential applications, and the ethical and social aspects that accompany its use. This knowledge is a prerequisite for participating meaningfully in discussions about AI and helps to understand both the potential and the risks of using AI in one’s work and in everyday life. We also consider basic knowledge to include the principles of prompting, which helps users create outputs of the desired quality and structure with generative AI models.

A wide range of online learning materials and courses has been created to acquire foundational knowledge, enabling university staff to do a great deal independently to gain initial knowledge and skills. Online courses provide a good opportunity to learn at a convenient time and at one’s own pace, and then come together for joint discussions and practice based on similar prior knowledge. As one option, we recommend completing the courses of The Digital State Academy (login with the national authentication service is required):

  • Introduction to Generative AI (Sissejuhatus generatiivse tehisaru valdkonda);
  • Working with AI – from fundamentals to advanced techniques (Töötamine tehisaruga – aluspõhimõtetest edasijõudnute tehnikateni);
  • AI reliability, data protection and security (Tehisaru usaldusväärsus, andmekaitse ja turvalisus);
  • Practical AI tools and platforms with exercises (Praktilised tehisaru tööriistad ja platvormid koos harjutustega).

From January 2026, in cooperation with the Centre for Educational Technology, we will offer thematic and target-group-based workshops built on The Digital State Academy courses. We will also continue with other field-specific AI training sessions and the learning lunch format, where university staff share their experiences of using artificial intelligence in teaching, research, and administrative work.

Videos from the TI-Leap (TI-Hüpe) education innovation programme trainings and seminars launched in Estonian schools can be found on their YouTube channel. These serve as valuable input for discussions on learning and teaching and also provide practical guidance on using ChatGPT. For example, we recommend watching the two 15-minute videos ChatGPT 101 and ChatGPT 102.

To acquire basic knowledge in English, one can complete the two-part online course The Elements of AI, developed under the leadership of the University of Helsinki. Similar open courses have also been created by several other universities. Suitable learning bites for using ChatGPT are offered by the OpenAI Academy platform; for example, it is worth watching the video on the principles of prompt engineering. OpenAI Academy also includes a higher-education community group and forum.

Once basic competencies have been acquired, it is possible to continue with more in-depth, discipline- or field-specific knowledge, which is necessary for developing, applying, or researching artificial intelligence in a specific domain. This can primarily be done within one’s own unit or through professional networks.

Training courses, seminars, “lunch and learn” and other events open to Tallinn University staff and supporting the use of artificial intelligence can be found in the the training calendar.

 

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AI tools

AI tools are increasingly becoming everyday work instruments. At Tallinn University, the following tools are centrally available and in use:

  • OpenAI ChatGPT Edu is available to all Tallinn University staff. ChatGPT Edu is designed for educational institutions and can be used, for example, for writing and editing texts, supporting research, analysing data, developing ideas, and completing other straightforward day-to-day tasks. More information on using OpenAI ChatGPT Edu at Tallinn University is available on the TLU intranet.
  • Google Gemini is available to all members of Tallinn University and can be used, for example, for creating, analysing and processing texts, completing text-based tasks, generating ideas, and analysing data. More information on using Google Gemini at Tallinn University is available on the TLU intranet.
  • Scopus AI is available to all members of Tallinn University for searching and analysing scholarly literature. Scopus AI analyses the query submitted and generates an answer based on the abstracts of articles available in the Scopus database; the articles used are cited and can be easily verified. More information on Scopus AI is available on the website of the Tallinn University Academic Library.

 

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AI Research at Tallinn University

Researchers at Tallinn University lead a wide range of research and development projects focused both on creating artificial intelligence (AI) applications and on studying their use. At present, thirteen major projects are underway. Among the projects currently underway, those in the field of education predominate, addressing both the direct support of teaching and learning (languages, writing, science subjects) and systemic questions (teacher–AI complementarity, institutional readiness).

In addition, our researchers investigate the role of AI in addressing social and cultural challenges (misinformation, malicious behaviour on social media) as well as in healthcare. 

AI applications are also being studied and developed in several doctoral theses: in 2025, 17 doctoral dissertations with this focus were in preparation at Tallinn University.

Development of AI-based solutions

Research on the use and impact of AI:

 

Contacts

Questions and support related to technical matters: ti@tlu.ee

Questions and support related to training and instructional materials: personaliarendus@tlu.ee