Can AI support student engagement in classroom activities in higher education?
Project Overview
The document examines the role of generative AI, specifically conversational AI tools like ChatGPT, in enhancing student engagement within large computer science classrooms. It addresses the challenges posed by large class sizes, which often hinder meaningful student interactions, and posits that AI can bridge this gap by offering personalized learning experiences. Through empirical studies, the findings reveal that integrating AI tools into classroom activities leads to a notable increase in both student engagement and learning outcomes when compared to conventional peer discussion methods. By leveraging generative AI, educators can better support individual learning needs, ultimately fostering a more interactive and effective educational environment.
Key Applications
ChatGPT as a conversational AI tool
Context: Undergraduate computer science course with approximately 450 students in a hybrid classroom setup
Implementation: Students engaged in discussions using ChatGPT after reading an article, compared to peer discussions without AI.
Outcomes: Higher engagement scores, improved understanding, and better test performance in the AI condition compared to the peer condition.
Challenges: Potential overreliance on AI, lack of instructor supervision could lead to varied results.
Implementation Barriers
Cognitive Barrier
Possible overreliance on AI tools can disrupt cognition building in learners.
Proposed Solutions: Educators should provide guidance and support to integrate AI effectively into learning activities.
Technical Barrier
Challenges in implementing AI in hybrid classroom setups, including variable participation from online and in-person students.
Proposed Solutions: Careful structuring of classroom activities to ensure equitable participation and engagement.
Ethical Barrier
Concerns regarding academic integrity, such as plagiarism and the authenticity of student work.
Proposed Solutions: Establish clear guidelines for the use of AI tools and promote ethical engagement with technology.
Project Team
Neha Rani
Researcher
Sharan Majumder
Researcher
Ishan Bhardwaj
Researcher
Pedro Guillermo Feijoo Garcia
Researcher
Contact Information
For information about the paper, please contact the authors.
Authors: Neha Rani, Sharan Majumder, Ishan Bhardwaj, Pedro Guillermo Feijoo Garcia
Source Publication: View Original PaperLink opens in a new window
Project Contact: Dr. Jianhua Yang
LLM Model Version: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18
Analysis Provider: Openai