ForestBioFacts, published in 2020, is a digital continuum Papermaking Science and Technology -book series, which has been known for decades as an international standard work in the field. Whereas information was previously bound between the covers of a book, the current portal is constantly updated and covers not only traditional papermaking but also new bioproducts, nanomaterials and textile fibers.
Focus on reliability and verified content
The biggest challenge with artificial intelligence has been the reliability of information and its tendency to invent missing facts. ForestBioFacts' AI assistant avoids this pitfall by only utilizing content found in the learning environment, verified by experts. It does not search for answers on the internet.
The user can ask the assistant for both precise technical details and broader problem solutions. The system combines information from different sources and formulates the answer in natural language, but always indicates the sources on which the information is based.
"Artificial intelligence provides an effortless way to navigate a vast network of technical information. All answers include links to source material, making the process transparent and giving the user the opportunity to delve into the original text exactly when the information is needed," says Vera Hallikainen, Development Manager at Puunjalostusinsinööriet.
Safe operating environment gets new material this autumn
Security has been a key consideration in the development of ForestBioFacts' AI assistant. User input is not used to train language models, making the tool safe to use in corporate environments. Currently, ForestBioFacts is used by approximately 50 organizations worldwide.
It is not about replacing expertise, but rather reinforcing it. A digital tool helps to break down language barriers and provides support for learning and decision-making regardless of time and place.
The ForestBioFacts knowledge base will expand further in the autumn, when the previous textbook content and training materials of the Wood Processing Engineers will be added to the environment, as well as PuunvuoroThe archives of the magazine and its predecessor, Paperi ja Puu, spanning over a century. This means approximately 113,000 pages of new historical and technical material for use by artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence as part of everyday academic life
Closed environments like ForestBioFacts reflect a broader shift in higher education. At Aalto University, artificial intelligence has been brought into everyday life through its own Aalto AI Assistant. It ensures equality for students in a situation where many commercial AI services have become fee-based.
Digital pedagogy expert Suvi Toivonen sees artificial intelligence above all as a tireless sparring partner.
"Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into learning materials. It is a great help for opening up and practicing concepts, which makes the study path more individual. On the other hand, there is a risk of outsourcing the intellectual work and correcting the reflection that is important for learning. Using AI requires self-discipline from the student," Toivonen reflects.
Professor of Chemical Engineering Tiina Nypelo has discussed artificial intelligence in woodworking technology teaching with students. He reminds us that the usefulness of a tool depends on the situation.
"People have different ways of learning. Those who absorb things well by reading can benefit from summaries made by artificial intelligence at the beginning of their studies. However, it is clear that it is not of similar help in laboratory work or real interaction, for example. Traditional human contact and teamwork are still needed," Nypelö reminds.
AI literacy is a future working life skill
At Aalto University, staff have been trained to understand the possibilities and limits of artificial intelligence. The goal is for artificial intelligence to become a natural part of expertise – when used transparently and appropriately. Pressure to embrace artificial intelligence also comes directly from the labor market, as students are aware that future experts are expected to be able to utilize artificial intelligence effectively and ethically.
“Artificial intelligence offers more dynamic ways to use learning materials, and higher education institutions are now actively seeking solutions to manage AI. AI literacy is a critical skill for both teachers and students. It is important to understand how the tools work so that we can ensure high-quality learning in the future,” emphasizes Toivonen.
Ultimately, the responsibility remains with the human. Nypelö states that teachers have the power to decide what role AI plays in each course. When used correctly, AI does not take the place of an expert, teacher or student, but rather provides better tools for managing information.
