The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now changing the way of education as well. In an experiment at Harvard University, learning with the help of an AI tutor was tested with about 200 students. This AI tutor was designed in such a way that it can respond according to the needs and learning speed of the students. In preliminary results, the learning progress of students studying with AI tutors was nearly double that of active teacher-led learning. Students also became more engaged and motivated while learning with AI.
AI tutor experiment at Harvard
The study was conducted on 194 students in a physics 2 course at Harvard University. This course is specially for life science students. Students were given the opportunity to learn two different methods of study for two consecutive weeks. One week the students did active learning under the guidance of a teacher, while the second week they studied at home with the help of an AI tutor. After this, both groups changed their study methods the following week. The researchers took tests before and after the study to check students’ understanding. Their interest, motivation and participation during the study was also observed.
Further advancements are seen in learning from AI
A preliminary analysis of the study found that the learning progress of students studying with an AI tutor was almost twice that of students who were actively learning in the classroom. Students also reported feeling more engaged and motivated when studying with AI. Notably, the AI was not compared to a normal lecture. Active and inquiry-based learning methods are already being used in Harvard classrooms.
AI Tutor was different from normal ChatGPT
In this experiment, students were not only given a blank window of ChatGPT. The researchers gave the AI special instructions to respond like an experienced teacher. These include pre-prepared conversations, topic prompts and structured feedback. AI Tutor allows students to study at their own pace. A student with knowledge of the subject can progress quickly, while a student who finds it difficult can understand the concept by asking more questions.
AI is not meant to replace teachers
According to the researchers, AI can help learning when used properly, but misuse can also reduce its benefits. The aim should be to enhance students’ critical thinking, not to have AI do the thinking for them. At Harvard, plans were made to use such AI tutors in other subjects as well. Its pilot projects were also being developed in multivariable calculus and other entry-level courses.
