SSA Statistical Education Section Networking Event: GenAI in Statistics Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Real Practice

The Statistical Education section of the Statistical Society of Australia invites you to an informal online networking session focused on the role of Generative AI in statistics education. This session is designed as a community discussion, bringing together educators to share experiences, challenges, and practical ideas. There is no single “right” approach; rather, the aim is to explore how AI can improve teaching while maintaining academic quality and meaningful learning. We also hope to build a network to support each other in exploring effective teaching practices in this evolving area.

Date: Friday 5 June 2026

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm (AEST)

Format: Online via Zoom. Details provided upon registration

Schedule

Short talk (10 mins): Dr Karol Binkowski: What if AI could calm your nerves?

Karol will briefly share how several intentional uses of AI tools (e.g., virtual peer bots, narrative storytelling) have been used in a large first-year statistics service unit to reduce anxiety and increase engagement, along with reflections and limitations.

Discussion

We’ll then open the floor to discussion. You might like to think about:

• How are you currently using (or avoiding) AI in your teaching?
• How can we improve engagement and learning without compromising quality?
• What concerns do you have around assessment, integrity, or over-reliance on AI?
• What has actually worked in practice?
• How might AI reshape the role of the lecturer in statistics education?

You’re welcome to:

• Bring a challenge
• Share an idea
• Just listen in

Key Learnings from attending webinar

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• explore practical uses of Generative AI in statistics education,
• hear real examples of AI-supported teaching practices in large first-year classes,
• discuss challenges related to assessment, academic integrity, and student learning,
• exchange ideas and experiences with other educators, and
• reflect on how AI may reshape teaching and learning in statistics education.

Presenter Bio: Dr Karol Binkowski

Dr Karol Binkowski is a Senior Lecturer in Statistics at Macquarie University and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). He engages diverse student cohorts through upbeat live lectures that incorporate GenAI-enhanced active learning and Peer Instruction. His teaching focuses on improving student engagement, reducing anxiety in statistics education, and exploring practical ways AI can support meaningful learning in large first-year classes.

Chair Bio - Dr Gizem Intepe

Dr Gizem Intepe is a Lecturer in Data Science and AI at Western Sydney University. She teaches introductory statistics to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is passionate about designing engaging, practical learning experiences that move beyond rote learning and help students connect statistical concepts to real-world applications.