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Short Abstract
Advancements in AI tutor technology raise questions about the opportunities and challenges these tools pose for online education. From an educational technologist’s perspective, we’ll begin with an overview of the latest AI tutor technologies before exploring a hypothetical scenario that examines how the roles of teachers and AI tutors are evolving in online education.
Extended Abstract
The rapid advancement of AI tutor technology is reshaping online education, raising questions about its opportunities and challenges. The emergence of capable AI tutors—like Khanamigo, Coursera Coach, and Synthesis Tutor, to name just a few—demonstrates their potential to transform teaching and learning.
Many conversational AI tutors are designed to mimic human teachers. They excel at tailoring communication to each student, fostering active learning, boosting motivation, and enhancing metacognition. While this holds the promise of cost-effective, highly personalized learning, their integration into fully online learning programs raises important questions about their effect on teacher-student dynamics.
From an educational technologist’s perspective, we’ll begin with an overview of the latest AI tutor technologies before presenting a hypothetical scenario that illustrates the evolving roles of teachers and AI tutors in online education.
Many conversational AI tutors are designed to mimic human teachers. They excel at tailoring communication to each student, fostering active learning, boosting motivation, and enhancing metacognition. While this holds the promise of cost-effective, highly personalized learning, their integration into fully online learning programs raises important questions about their effect on teacher-student dynamics.
From an educational technologist’s perspective, we’ll begin with an overview of the latest AI tutor technologies before presenting a hypothetical scenario that illustrates the evolving roles of teachers and AI tutors in online education.
Presenting Speakers
Natalia Echeverry, MS
Instructional Designer at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Natalia Echeverry is an instructional designer at the University Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds an M.S. in human-computer interaction from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She focuses on designing engaging and effective online learning experiences for adult learners. Echeverry is currently exploring user-centered interface design for AI-based systems with a focus on online learning environments.
Complementary or Adversarial? The Evolving Roles of Teachers and AI Tutors in Online Learning.
Track
Emerging Education Technologies and Innovations
Description
4/3/2025 | 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Main Zoom Room:
Lightning Talks
Evaluate Session
Modality: Virtual
Location: Zoom Room 4
Track: Emerging Education Technologies and Innovations
Session Type: Lightning Session (15 Min)
Institution Level: Higher Ed, K-12
Audience Level: All
Intended Audience: All Attendees
Special Session Designation: For Educators at Community Colleges, Focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), For Instructional Designers, For Leaders and Administrators
Location: Zoom Room 4
Track: Emerging Education Technologies and Innovations
Session Type: Lightning Session (15 Min)
Institution Level: Higher Ed, K-12
Audience Level: All
Intended Audience: All Attendees
Special Session Designation: For Educators at Community Colleges, Focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), For Instructional Designers, For Leaders and Administrators