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TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Adapting AI in Education: The Role of Course-Specific Chatbots

Posted on 02/20/2024 11:36 AM

Introducing generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, into the educational sector is a significant move towards tailored learning experiences. This initiative focuses on leveraging generative AI technologies to reshape the educational landscape through the creation and application of course-specific chatbots for educators and students.

The following examples highlight the use of AI in advancing educational practice. The implementation of chatbots, powered by ChatGPT and PlusMind AI, underscores a dedication to accessibility, inclusivity, and academic integrity, aiming to augment education with cutting-edge computing technologies. Additionally, tools like ChatGPT Plus and GitHub Copilot significantly enhance productivity for students in quantitative courses, crucial for efficient coding in empirical research. I will illustrate this idea through the use of chatbots for two undergraduate courses (ECON 470: Data Science for Economic and Social Issues and ECON 425: Industrial Organization) and one graduate course (ECMT 680: Financial Econometrics).

This innovative strategy of using chatbots is beneficial for educators, educational technologists, and administrators, as this offers insights into how PlusMind AI and ChatGPT can foster dynamic, personalized, and effective learning environments. The chatbots' integration to the course will create personalized engagement between the students and the course content.

The advantages for educators utilizing chatbots encompass enriched course content and efficient LMS management, detailed as follows:

1. AI-powered chatbots customize course content to meet the distinct needs and learning preferences of students, thereby making learning more accessible and engaging by tailoring materials for various comprehension levels and interests.

2. These chatbots facilitate active participation, enabling students to ask questions, seek clarifications, and delve into topics more deeply with immediate feedback, thus creating a lively learning environment.

3. Platforms like PlusMind AI ease the inclusion of AI-generated content into Canvas, alleviating the administrative workload for educators.

4. Chatbots aid in designing personalized learning experiences within the LMS, enhancing the learning journey according to each student's progress and preferences.

5. AI-enhanced chatbots facilitate the creation and management of assessments, providing instant feedback to help students identify areas for improvement.


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Credits: Dr. Jahangir Alam, Visiting Assistant Professor, Economics Department Texas A&M University