Understand
We have developed an AI-powered socio-technical system for making online learning in higher education more accessible, affordable and achievable.
- In particular, we have developed four novel and intertwined AI technologies: (1) VERA, a virtual experimentation research assistant for supporting inquiry-based learning of scientific knowledge, (2) Jill Watson Q&A, a virtual teaching assistant for answering questions based on educational documents including the VERA user reference guide, (3) Jill Watson SA, a virtual social agent that promotes online interactions, and (4) Agent Smith, that helps generate a Jill Watson Q&A agent for new documents such as class syllabi.
- The results are positive: (i) VERA enhances ecological knowledge and is freely available online; (ii) Jill Watson Q&A has been used by >4,000 students in >12 online classes and saved teachers >500 hours of work; (iii) Jill Q&A and Jill Watson SA promote learner engagement, interaction, and community; and (iv).
- Agent Smith helps generate Jill Watson Q&A for a new syllabus within ~25 hours.