Nicolaas Matthijs, Chief Product Officer at Anthology: ‘AI in education is here to stay’

Anthology has launched new AI-powered features in its Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. 

The updates include the 'AI Conversations' programme, designed to integrate artificial intelligence into education while maintaining instructor oversight.

At the Anthology Together 2024 conference, the company unveiled a refreshed mission, vision, and brand identity with a new tagline, "Power of Together." 

Speaking exclusively with ETIH Nicolaas Matthijs, Chief Product Officer at Anthology, stated: 

“Students today are expecting universities to deliver personalised experiences and good value for money, where teaching time is maximised, and the learning environment is as engaging as it can be. We know that an innovative Virtual Learning Environment, which incorporates AI in the right ways, will be at the forefront of delivering in all of these areas. And students aren’t just expecting universities to use AI to its full potential, they are expecting to learn about it and get experience of using it themselves.

 The 'AI Conversations' programme allows students to interact with AI in a controlled environment, providing practical experience with the technology. 

Matthijs continued:

“Having the ability to interact safely with AI in the learning environment is very soon going to become non-negotiable for higher education.  AI has huge potential in education and is here to stay which is why we are the first major VLE to integrate it throughout our product set in accordance with a Trustworthy AI Framework to ensure its safe and responsible deployment.”

“Anthology has reported significant growth and adoption rates across its product portfolio. Over the past year, there has been a 400% increase in institutions implementing Anthology Student. Anthology Reach has doubled in growth since 2021, highlighting the company's expanding global influence.”

Matthijs concluded:

“It is a time of challenge in our sector with many factors to contend with, but there are great opportunities out there for higher education institutions that have the right technology foundations in place. Our goal is to help universities ease the transition from aging technology to a modern learning environment, ensuring that they can deliver the experience students are looking for.”