AI is quickly becoming a common feature in school classrooms and workshops around the world, with many educators and instructors exploring the potential of this technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Key features of conversational AI
One of the key features of conversational AI that sets it apart from other technologies is its ability to produce human-like text and perform a wide range of language-related tasks. If you’ve used tools like ChatGPT or Noodle Factory’s Walter platform, which uses the GPT-3 broad-language model for some services, you’ve experienced human-like capabilities from a machine learning algorithm. This makes conversational AI particularly useful for creating personalized lesson plans, providing real-time feedback to students, and creating explanations or summaries of complex concepts.
Challenges of using innovative technologies in education
Learning is not just content. it’s about communication. Our first challenge is to connect and interact with students in innovative ways. As educators, we must feel comfortable aligning our curriculum with new tools and platforms to meet our students where they are. We also need to harness digital capabilities by emerging as digital educators in ways to foster collaboration and creativity. To paraphrase how Neranti and Buckingham characterized the ongoing evolution of digital pedagogy, new approaches are absolutely essential to successful teaching and learning in the digital age.
Chat-based learning
Chat-based learning is traditionally defined as online teaching and learning engagement that occurs through chat or messaging platforms. In chat-based learning, students and instructors typically communicate with each other through text messages rather than in person or via video conference. Now this communication can be done using a conversational AI algorithm. Conversation-based learning can be self-paced, with students working through the material at their own pace or on a set schedule for structured discussions and assignments. Conversation-based learning can be an effective way for students to learn new material and interact with their professors and peers. It can be especially useful for those who prefer to study independently or who are unable to attend classes in person.
Conversational AI has become an increasingly popular and valuable tool for conversation-based learning because it allows for real-time interaction that is mediated by artificial intelligence (i.e., algorithm(s)) and can be personalized to meet individual students. the needs.
In general, chat-based learning can be a useful complement to other learning modes because it offers flexibility, convenience, and the possibility of collaborative and asynchronous communication;
- Asynchronous communication. One of the main advantages of chat-based learning is that it allows for asynchronous communication, meaning that students and instructors do not need to be online at the same time to communicate. This can be especially helpful for students who have busy schedules or are in different time zones.
- Flexibility. Chat-based learning allows students to access course materials and communicate with their instructors from anywhere with an Internet connection, which can be more convenient than attending in-person classes or accessing a virtual classroom at set times.
- Cooperation. Chat-based learning platforms often have features that allow students to work together and collaborate on projects, which can be a valuable way to learn and practice skills in a simulated work environment.
- Addition: Conversation-based learning can complement other forms of learning, such as in-person or online classes, by providing additional opportunities for students to ask questions and receive teacher feedback.
To provide greater scalability, conversational AI is an artificial intelligence that can hold a conversation with humans in the manner of a teacher or tutor and can be used for chat-based learning in several ways:
- As a virtual tutor or teaching assistant. A conversational AI system can answer students’ questions and provide real-time feedback on assignments. This can be especially helpful for students who have questions outside of regular class time or need extra support.
- As a course leader. A conversational AI system can be programmed to guide students through the course, presenting material and assigning tasks as they progress. This can be useful for self-paced learning as students can work at their own pace and get AI support when needed.
- As a language teacher. A conversational AI system can help students learn a new language by engaging in conversation and providing feedback on pronunciation and grammar.
- As a personalized learning coach. A conversational AI system can create a personalized learning plan for each student based on their interests and needs. AI can support and encourage as a student works through their curriculum.
“The Two Sigma Problem”
Benjamin Bloom outlined what he called “The Two Sigma Problem” nearly 40 years ago. In his 1984 article, “The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as Individual Instruction,” Bloom explored methods by which teachers can create conditions under group instruction that produce learning outcomes that are normally seen only in ideal one-on-one instruction. per teaching. tutoring conditions. This difference in one-to-one tutoring results was calculated as two standard deviations from the group tutoring mean. The problem at the time that Bloom set out to solve was a practical one; given the relatively high student-to-teacher ratio even at the best-funded institutions, how realistic is it to give every student a one-viewer type? – one-on-one tutoring and continuous formative assessments that lead to cognitive mastery of the subject and therefore better performance. The answer to this question was that you cannot practically solve a two sigma problem.
Conclusion
This is where CBL environments, such as Noodle Factory’s Walter platform, can positively impact HE teachers and students. With AI-powered CBL, teachers now have the tools to work toward solving two sigma problems because they can scale. With the power of conversational artificial intelligence, students have the ability to engage in effective one-on-one tutoring anytime, anywhere, on the device of their choice.
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