In recent years, artificial intelligence has become part of everyday office, academic, and research work. It is no longer used only by people closely connected to technology, but by professionals across a wide range of fields. AI supports analysis, writing, idea generation, and the simplification of routine tasks.
As a university, our goal is not simply to say that we use artificial intelligence. What matters is that these tools genuinely support learning, teaching, and daily work. We must also create an environment where staff can experiment and learn safely, without unnecessary risks.
With this in mind, TalTech has decided to offer ChatGPT EDU licenses to all employees by the end of 2025. This step is part of a broader effort to help staff use AI more consciously and to discover ways to organize their time and work processes more intelligently.
Why ChatGPT EDU?
When choosing AI solutions, we focused primarily on security and suitability for different job roles. ChatGPT EDU met these expectations best.
ChatGPT EDU is a version of OpenAI’s platform specifically designed for educational institutions. Users do not need to create personal accounts, and the environment is structured for safe use. At the same time, it is important to understand that sensitive or confidential information should not be entered into the system.
ChatGPT EDU is particularly useful for tasks involving text analysis, idea generation, explaining complex concepts, and drafting initial versions. It can be used to create first drafts of documents, simplify or rephrase text, produce summaries of research and data, prepare questions, translate, develop or adapt learning materials, generate ideas, or clarify technical descriptions.
Its strengths are most evident in situations where text needs to be created, refined, or analyzed, and when a quick initial version is needed for further human polishing.
Another important factor is that the same platform is already used in Estonian schools. The AI Leap programme provides ChatGPT EDU to general and vocational education institutions. As a result, TalTech will soon welcome students who already have experience with this tool. It is beneficial for the university to be prepared to guide and support them in the same environment. This ensures a smooth and consistent learning experience from school to university.
The current situation and a familiar tool for employees
AI tools are already widely used at TalTech today. Several hundred employees use ChatGPT, and its role in various units has grown rapidly. People have found that AI helps them work more efficiently, whether in analysis, document preparation, idea development, or simply supporting their thinking process.
Some employees have also tried Microsoft Copilot in the Office environment, but so far it has not gained a large or active user base. With ChatGPT, the picture is different. It is used daily and across various roles, making it a natural working tool for many. Internationally, ChatGPT is also one of the most widely adopted AI solutions, and for this reason it makes sense for TalTech to use this platform as the foundation for more unified AI adoption.
We are also closely monitoring other major solutions, especially developments in Claude and Gemini, and later the new capabilities of Copilot. Recent trends show that large platforms are evolving quickly, and new features tend to appear across them at a fairly similar pace. At this moment, however, ChatGPT remains the most mature tool and the one most widely used at TalTech.
A small investment with a significant impact
When viewed through the lens of cost and benefit, ChatGPT EDU offers the university a relatively modest expense compared to the potential gains. If AI can make even part of a workflow slightly faster or smoother, the accumulated time savings can become substantial.
AI is not here to replace people. Its purpose is to reduce routine tasks and give employees more time for thinking, creativity, and meaningful contribution. The value this creates is often greater than we initially anticipate.
This is why we do not treat the introduction of ChatGPT EDU as merely a technical change. It is a step toward an innovative work and learning culture where the use of AI is an everyday and natural part of work, just like drafting documents or sending emails.
Learning and experimenting together
I invite all TalTech employees, especially managers, to support this change. Try out the possibilities of ChatGPT EDU yourselves and discuss within your teams where AI could assist your work. Experiment with different uses, write, analyze, simplify texts, or generate new ideas. Often the best solutions emerge when people have the freedom to explore at their own pace.
In some units, AI will offer small time savings, while in others it may significantly improve processes or even create entirely new opportunities. This is precisely why it is important that staff have the chance to try AI and understand its real value in their own work.
ChatGPT EDU licenses will initially be purchased for one year. This gives us time to evaluate how and where AI supports us most effectively and to make adjustments if needed.
This is only the beginning. If each of us takes even one step toward more conscious use of artificial intelligence, we move together toward a future where TalTech uses AI intelligently, responsibly, and in ways that support the university’s strengths and goals.