When people talk about AI, they usually mean: AI based on Large Language Models (LLMs), also known as generative AI (GenAI).
These language models are trained on enormous amounts of text and can therefore generate new text. They can summarize, translate, or analyze texts for you. The most well-known example is GPT-4 (OpenAI). Keep in mind that AI is more than just GenAI. It is, in fact, an umbrella term for multiple applications.

You can find more information in Chapter 2 of this e-learning.

VU sees AI as a powerful tool for studying. To that end, it aims to develop students' AI literacy. This 'literacy' is not intended to promote the use of AI itself. The goal is to help you learn to assess when the use of AI is desirable—and if so, in what way. Students also learn what the risks are. 

Read more: https://vu.nl/en/news/2025/new-framework-for-generative-ai-in-education 

Make sure to do this properly. Preferably use tools for which the university holds a license. So, work with Copilot rather than ChatGPT, as the former ensures user privacy. And if a license is missing, at least use your tools critically.

More information in chapters 4 and 6.

Yes, but only for AI tools for which VU holds a license. Lecturers may, for example, ask you to use Microsoft Copilot for assignments via the VU license. You then log in with your VU credentials. The data will remain within VU and will not be shared with OpenAI. Guidelines will also change in the future. So keep an eye on updates about the latest developments.
For more information, see the student information page.

By treating AI as a study companion that can assist you with various tasks. You can ask AI to explain complex concepts or generate practice questions. Or you might ask it to come up with counterarguments or offer alternative perspectives. Ultimately, this helps you better support your own viewpoint. However you use AI, see it as a tool—never as a replacement for your own thinking.

More information in Chapter 3.

AI literacy means being able to engage critically and responsibly with AI applications. AI tools can hallucinate—this means they may invent fictional sources or non-existent titles. Although some statements may sound convincing, they can be incorrect. One risk is that you give a prompt, receive an answer, but don’t fully understand why the tool generated that response. Companies provide only limited information about how their products work. Also, be careful not to use AI without proper attribution or as a substitute for your own work. This can lead to fraud or plagiarism, which are serious offenses in academia.

Want to read more? Go to Chapters 6 and 7.

AI partly helps you with tasks you used to do yourself, such as summarising a text or searching for relevant information. However, tasks are not just disappearing—new skills are also being added. For example, you need to be even more critical of information when it comes from AI. That said, AI does not completely take over your skills. It supports tasks that you still need to be able to perform yourself and for which you remain responsible.

Yes, but that’s only half the story. Just like with earlier innovations, the arrival of AI will lead to the disappearance of some jobs or significant changes in their content. This mainly affects jobs in the service sector, such as translators and call center employees. Those performing physical work, such as hospitality or construction workers, are less affected. Despite the major impact on the labor market, AI does not automatically lead to mass layoffs. At the same time, these developments also create opportunities. As with previous technological breakthroughs, new jobs will emerge.  

You can find information about AI in multiple places. If you want to know more about the university’s policy on AI, keep an eye on the VU website. Not sure whether you’re allowed to use AI in a particular course, or how? Ask the course lecturer. And all information related to AI literacy—from the definition of the concept to tips on how to become AI literate—can be found in this e-learning. The University Library keeps it up to date so that it reflects the most recent developments.