Storm Barendrecht, Front: ‘We want more attention for AI applications in education’
More attention to AI and another plea for hybrid education. According to Party Front party leader Storm Barendrecht, these are the most important points of contention in the run-up to the elections for the University Council. Because ‘study time is not only meant for studying.’
What needs to change at Tilburg University?
‘The developments in the field of AI are happening very quickly, and it is striking that the university paints a negative picture of these new applications. Many teachers are afraid that students are using AI for some form of plagiarism. Front wants more attention to be paid to the use of AI applications in education.
‘Because there are also positive sides to the use of AI. For example, you can use chatbots as sparring partners, to which students can ask questions. We would like to explore the possibilities of such applications in the coming year. And we want the provision of information about AI to be broadened, so that students are better informed about what is allowed and what is not allowed.
‘In addition, we remain committed to hybrid learning. We would like students to be able to choose for themselves whether they follow a lecture physically or watch a recording of that lecture at a time of their choice.
Elections on campus
It is almost election time on campus again. From Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1, students choose who represents them in the participation councils of Tilburg University.
In the run-up to the election week, Univers publishes interviews with the party leaders of the participation parties. Who are they and what do they stand for? And why should you vote for their party?
‘Hybrid learning has a number of advantages. This way, students can watch the lecture and use it as a reference book. Because for students, and especially for active students, it is not always possible to be physically present on campus, because they are attending training courses or meetings, for example. We believe that study time is not only intended for study, extra-curricular activities are also of paramount importance to us.
‘Finally, Front wants to explore the possibilities that exist outside the current range of study places in the university library and in other buildings. We are looking at whether we can offer a digital platform so that students can get a better insight into the current occupancy rate. That way it remains attractive to come to campus to study there.’
What is going well?
‘Social safety is an important theme these days. In recent years, Front has ensured that confidential counsellors are trained at student associations. Each association now has two confidential advisors, so that the threshold for students to tell their story if they have a problem is lowered. Another example that responds to this are the so-called ‘safe spaces’ during carnival, in collaboration with the municipality of Tilburg.
‘And for the active student, extracurricular activities in addition to their studies are very important. That is why Front has committed itself to recognition in the form of a certificate for student board members. You receive this certificate at the end of your board year, and you can put it on your resume, so that it also has a recognized value.’
Why should students vote for Front?
‘We think it is important that students orientate themselves broadly, also outside their studies. This can be done by becoming a member of an association, by volunteering or by doing an internship. Because that way you learn other social skills and make new contacts. This way, as a student, you increase your chances of getting a job after your studies. So, a vote for Front is a vote for a party that is committed to the recognition of extracurricular activities.’
What do we need to know about Storm Barendrecht?
‘I am 21 years old, and I am currently in the second year of my bachelor’s degree in public administration. In my first year of study, I was already active in Study Association Juribes, which falls under law. This year I became a member of the rowing club Vidar, and I am a member of the women’s fraternity Luna.
‘In addition, I did a committee year at the Top Week last year. So, I have already been active. I can recommend it to everyone to get active, because it is a lot of fun, and it gives you new insights.
‘Now I am looking for a professional challenge. I find a board year interesting for that. This position as party leader for Front fits in very well with my studies in public administration. Of course, I would like to get enough votes and get a seat, so that I can also participate in the discussion next year and represent the active student in a university council.’
