Digital Learning Assistants in Higher Education Environments: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Conference: The Barcelona Conference on Education (BCE2022)
Title: Digital Learning Assistants in Higher Education Environments: A Qualitative Focus Group Study
Stream: Higher Education
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Mascha-Lea Fersch, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Sigurd Schacht, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Betiel Woldai, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Charlotte Kätzel, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Sophie Henne, Ansbach University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Abstract:

Digital technologies have become increasingly important for educational institutions since the Covid-19 pandemic. In this paper, we present an artificially intelligent assistant system, that supports students and prospective students on different levels. In addition to an AI-based chatbot as the central communication element, the virtual guidance system also includes planning, study analysis and motivation applications. To evaluate how the assistant can best address students’ needs, a qualitative focus group study was conducted, involving first a user testing of the chatbot prototype and second an assessment of different concept sketches for the planner and motivator applications. Results from the user testing of the chatbot suggest the importance of a vivid persona and appealing design, accurate, guided, and direct answering, as well as optional push-messaging. In the second part concerning planner and motivator, the students expressed the wish to integrate predominantly functions, which help to prepare on time for exams and ideally bundle the applications on one platform to avoid switching between different platforms. Furthermore, participants voiced privacy concerns, as well as an increase in distraction and competitive pressure through gamification. The findings were used to further develop and refine the digital assistant before launch and give detailed insight into the why and how digital assistants can be successful in educational settings.

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