Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is rolling out an artificial intelligence learning platform across its courses, positioning itself among the first tertiary organisations in New Zealand to embed AI into everyday teaching.

The platform, Cogniti, enables teachers to create course-specific “learning agents” that support students outside class hours through quizzes, simulations and real-time feedback.

Following a pilot that began in early 2024, Cogniti is now hosted within Toi Ohomai’s secure IT environment and integrated into its learning management system, making it accessible to students at any time.

In a media release, Toi Ohomai education technology adviser Jonathan Adams said the move marks a shift from experimentation to practical application.

“We’re not experimenting any more – we’re embedding AI in ways that are practical, safe and genuinely improve learning."

Adams said students were using the tool beyond the classroom to reinforce learning.

“What we’re seeing is most ākonga/students engaging with Cogniti outside of class hours, using it to test understanding, revisit content, and build confidence and expertise on their own terms.”

The AI agents were built using course-specific material curated by kaiako and shaped by feedback from both staff and students.

The technology was developed by Professor Danny Liu and the University of Sydney.

The rollout has attracted international attention, with Toi Ohomai featured in a University of Sydney announcement marking Cogniti’s launch on the Microsoft Marketplace, alongside Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology.

In specialised areas such as nursing, Cogniti allows students to practise high-pressure clinical scenarios, including responding to deteriorating patients and performing drug calculations in a simulated environment.

Academic staff member Emma McMichael said the platform was also transforming fully online courses.

“The chatbot acts as a personal tutor – ākonga can ask questions, test their understanding and reflect on their learning in real time, without waiting for tutor feedback."

McMichael said around-the-clock access was particularly valuable for students balancing study with shift work.

“Having that support available 24/7 makes a real difference, especially for those managing demanding work schedules.”

The platform is also expected to ease staff workload by reducing repetitive feedback tasks while providing insights into how students engage with course content.

Toi Ohomai said all interactions remain within its secure system, giving staff confidence about how AI is being used in teaching.