The University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) launched the Semester Zero program in January 2022. This online orientation enhances literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. The AI-powered USP SEM ZERO-GPT, introduced in January 2024, offers 24/7 support, significantly boosting student engagement and support.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Pacific Centre for Flexible and Open Learning for Development (PACFOLD) and Centre for Flexible Learning (CFL) approached Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to assist the University of the South Pacific (USP) in hosting a Learning Management System (LMS) platform to provide an online orientation and skill development program for its potential new learners. The lockdowns’ impact on learning, with a possibility of no face-to-face (F2F) orientation program needed urgent planning to provide USP’s potential learners some awareness, confidence and much more. In the past, together with F2F orientation program, USP used to conduct an Academic and Cultural Orientation Programme for Tertiary Students (ACTS), currently known as the Preparation for Higher Education Workshop (PHEW!), for sponsored students. This is why the University of the South Pacific (USP) has developed the "Semester Zero" programme that would nurture first-year university students, ensuring a smooth transition to higher education as well as improvement in students' own mastery and adaptability through the programme. A programme such as Semester Zero allowed prospective students to be e-ready for University without having the need to be physically present at the campus. Since Semester Zero focused on Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills, it is not only unique but a pioneering innovative orientation and nurturing program in the South Pacific. Semester Zero programe begun in January 2022. At the heart of Semester Zero's success is the USP SEM ZERO-GPT, an AI-customized chat tool designed to provide real-time assistance. This innovative feature allows students to pose questions and receive immediate responses. The USP SEM ZERO-GPT was deployed in January 2024. Proposed and implemented by COL, Semester Zero has significantly impacted students at USP. This initiative has not only fostered a sense of community and belonging but has also provided participants with the necessary resources to navigate the challenges of their academic journey. Problem definition Developing an intelligent online tool that provides first-year students with real-time assistance and prompt responses to their queries. Chatbot Features • Ask About Moodle: Unsure how to submit an assignment or find a resource? Ask the Chatbot! It’s programmed to guide you through Moodle’s features. • Course Content Queries: Stuck on a topic or need clarification? The Chatbot can provide explanations and help deepen your understanding. • Limited Bandwidth Friendly: We know internet access can be a challenge. The Chatbot is designed to work efficiently, even with limited bandwidth. • Available 24/7: No matter your schedule, the Chatbot is always ready to assist. Reason for Implementation Artificial intelligent tools are available for students; we cannot stop the use of these tools. However, we could educate learners on how to use them. Development and Deployment The project was spearheaded by a dedicated team from both USP and the Commonwealth of Learning. The Project Leads meticulously planned and discussed the contents and manuals to be integrated into the chat interface. Over the course of six weeks, the team held regular meetings to ensure that the system was finely tuned to meet the needs of the learners. This collaborative effort culminated in the successful introduction of USP SEM ZERO-GPT to the target audience. Features and Functionality USP SEM ZERO-GPT is designed to provide comprehensive support to over 3000 learners enrolled in the Semester Zero course. The AI-powered chat tool leverages GPT-based intelligence to address a wide range of queries, ensuring that students receive timely and accurate information. The key areas of support include: • USP Moodle Platform: Guidance on navigating and utilizing the Moodle platform, a crucial tool for online learning at USP. • Semester Zero Course: Assistance with course-related inquiries, helping students to understand and complete their coursework effectively. • USP Handbook and Calendar: Access to information from the extensive 600+ page USP Handbook and Calendar, offering detailed insights into university policies, academic schedules, and other essential information. Data on system usage Some contents that was uploaded and chatbot responded to were: about Semester Zero course, USP Handbook and Calnedar, and Moodle platform. Learners used both the Chat Interface and the Moodle Interface to access the system. Around 66% queries came from the Chat Interface. This was expected as chatbot gives real-time responses and an interactive platform for learners rather than navigating the system on their own. Around 68% of questions are related to either course or university handbook content. Learners’ interaction since the launch on January 17, 2024 - 430+ queries from the learners - Both the Chat Interface and the Moodle Interface have been successfully used by the Learners to access the system. - Around 56 learners used the system - Tested and used the system with 185+ queries on diverse topics Impact on Learners By integrating USP SEM ZERO-GPT into the learner support system, USP aims to provide first-year students with a reliable and accessible resource for their academic needs. This AI-driven tool not only facilitates a smoother transition into university life but also empowers students to navigate their educational journey with greater confidence and ease. USP SEM ZERO-GPT stands as a testament to USP's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance educational support and foster a more engaging and supportive learning environment. Limitations - Thorough Testing and Content Upload: As the first implementation of an AI-customized chat tool in a tertiary institution in Fiji, USP SEM ZERO-GPT required extensive testing to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. This process was time-consuming. Additionally, uploading large volumes of content, such as the 600+ page USP Handbook and Calendar, further added to the project's complexity and duration. - Student Engagement for a Non-Compulsory Course: Since Semester Zero is a free and non-compulsory course, encouraging student participation posed a significant challenge. To address this, the project team implemented strategic marketing efforts and planned various giveaways to attract students, aiming to demonstrate the program's benefits and increase engagement. The deployment of the USP SEM ZERO-GPT by the University of the South Pacific, in collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning, has significantly enhanced support for first-year students during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Launched in January 2024 as part of the Semester Zero program, this AI-customized chat tool provides real-time assistance on various topics, including the USP Moodle platform, course content, and the USP Handbook and Calendar. Despite challenges in testing and content uploading, the system has effectively engaged over 3000 students, offering 24/7 support and fostering a sense of community and confidence in their academic journey. This initiative exemplifies USP's commitment to utilizing advanced technologies to improve educational support and create a more engaging learning environment. Future scope The team is developing a ticketing system, scheduled for deployment in 2025, designed to efficiently address queries by directing them as emails to specialist personnel. This system aims to streamline the process by minimizing internal back-and-forth communication, ensuring that each query reaches the appropriate individual or team responsible for providing a timely response.