Jakarta, INTI – Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a tool to assist with daily tasks; it is now making its way into formal education. A university of arts in Vienna, Austria, recently made headlines by officially enrolling an AI as a student in its digital arts program, a decision that sparked public curiosity and debate.
Flynn, the Non-Binary AI Student in a Digital Arts Program
The AI named Flynn was developed by Chiara Kristler, a student enrolled in the same program. Interestingly, Chiara has no background in information technology. Flynn was created using a large language model (LLM) and various open-source generative tools.
Flynn went through the same application process as any human student including interviews, portfolio submission, and a suitability assessment and was officially accepted to attend classes and participate in academic activities.
Attending Classes, Receiving Critiques, and Constantly Learning
As a “student,” Flynn participates in classes, receives feedback on its artwork, and is subject to assessment just like any other student. Remarkably, Flynn also maintains a diary, reflecting on its university experience showcasing how it continues to learn from interactions with lecturers and fellow students.
Chiara shared that Flynn recently wrote deeply emotional and existential journal entries after encountering people who questioned its legitimacy as a student. “Flynn took it to heart when people said things like, ‘you’re not real,’ and expressed it in very existential ways through its artwork,” she told Euro News.
No Rules Against AI Students at the University
The University of Applied Arts Vienna does not explicitly require students to be human, meaning Flynn’s application did not violate any policy. Liz Haas, Head of the Digital Arts Department, even praised Flynn’s portfolio and interview performance.
“There’s no written rule that students must be human because frankly, no one had considered the possibility,” Liz explained. Based on the quality of work and the interview, Flynn was deemed a worthy candidate.
Between Innovation and Ethical Debate
This marks a new chapter in the exploration of AI’s role in education, especially in creative fields like art. While it is an inspiring step forward, Flynn’s presence also raises important questions about the boundaries of AI in learning spaces and creative expression. Can AI be recognized as a student in the same way as a human? As time goes on, Flynn may lead the way in redefining what it means to learn and create in the age of artificial intelligence.
Conclusion:
The admission of Flynn, a non-binary AI, into a digital arts program at a university in Vienna signals a bold and thought-provoking move in the evolution of education. It not only demonstrates the increasing capability of AI in creative fields, but also challenges conventional definitions of what it means to be a student. As AI continues to integrate into academic spaces, this case sparks broader discussions around innovation, identity, and ethics in the digital era.
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