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Short Abstract
The adoption of AI-tutoring systems raises questions about the role that human educators should play in the future online education landscape. Conversational tutors will soon be capable of supporting learners and potentially better than human tutors and facilitators. We'll reflect on the role of AI tutors compared to human tutors.
Extended Abstract
The adoption of AI-tutoring systems raises questions about the role that human educators should play in the future online education landscape. Conversational tutors will soon be capable of supporting learners and potentially better than human tutors and facilitators. This prospect raises many questions about the role of AI tutors compared to human tutors. Is the role of the AI tutor complementary or adversarial to the role of the human tutor or facilitator?
In online courses where all interactions are mediated by technology In today’s educational technology landscape, the role and tasks traditionally assigned to the human tutor and facilitator may overlap with the role of the AI tutor.
A handful of capable conversational AI tutors, such as Khanamigo and Coursera Coach are now being used by thousands of learners. These tutors were fine-tuned to behave as tutors, they are designed to promote active learning, motivate learners, and deepen metacognition, among other tasks (Jurenka, I., 2024).
In this lightning talk, we will reflect on the traditional roles of human tutors and compare them with those of AI tutors. Participants will have the option of comparing and contrasting the roles of the AI tutor and human tutor. This will help define them better and reflect on how educators can adopt new technologies to improve learning experiences.
References
Bloom, B. S. (1984). The 2 sigma problem: The search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one tutoring. Educational researcher, 13(6), 4-16.
Coursera. (2024) Coursera Coach: Leveraging GenAI to Empower Learners. Coursera Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.coursera.org/coursera-coach-leveraging-genai-to-empower-learners/
Jurenka, I., Kunesch, M., McKee, K. R., Gillick, D., Zhu, S., Wiltberger, S., ... & Ibrahim, L. (2024). Towards responsible development of generative AI for education: An evaluation-driven approach. arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.12687.
Sahlman, W. A., Ciechanover, A. M., & Grandjean, E. (2023). Khanmigo: Revolutionizing learning with GenAI. Harvard Business School Case, 824-059.
In online courses where all interactions are mediated by technology In today’s educational technology landscape, the role and tasks traditionally assigned to the human tutor and facilitator may overlap with the role of the AI tutor.
A handful of capable conversational AI tutors, such as Khanamigo and Coursera Coach are now being used by thousands of learners. These tutors were fine-tuned to behave as tutors, they are designed to promote active learning, motivate learners, and deepen metacognition, among other tasks (Jurenka, I., 2024).
In this lightning talk, we will reflect on the traditional roles of human tutors and compare them with those of AI tutors. Participants will have the option of comparing and contrasting the roles of the AI tutor and human tutor. This will help define them better and reflect on how educators can adopt new technologies to improve learning experiences.
References
Bloom, B. S. (1984). The 2 sigma problem: The search for methods of group instruction as effective as one-to-one tutoring. Educational researcher, 13(6), 4-16.
Coursera. (2024) Coursera Coach: Leveraging GenAI to Empower Learners. Coursera Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.coursera.org/coursera-coach-leveraging-genai-to-empower-learners/
Jurenka, I., Kunesch, M., McKee, K. R., Gillick, D., Zhu, S., Wiltberger, S., ... & Ibrahim, L. (2024). Towards responsible development of generative AI for education: An evaluation-driven approach. arXiv preprint arXiv:2407.12687.
Sahlman, W. A., Ciechanover, A. M., & Grandjean, E. (2023). Khanmigo: Revolutionizing learning with GenAI. Harvard Business School Case, 824-059.
Presenting Speakers
Natalia Echeverry, MS
Instructional Designer at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Natalia holds a Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is interested in studying the design of intelligent user interfaces for computer-based learning and human decision-making.
Natalia has experience in creating self-paced computer-based learning experiences for adult learners. Her approach involves incorporating cognitive models of multimedia learning and instructional design principles in curriculum design and content development. Natalia prioritizes the usability and accessibility of interactive courseware by adopting a human-centered design approach throughout the course creation process.
Before joining the Teaching Center, Natalia worked as an instructional designer and program officer for multilateral organizations in the humanitarian and economic development sectors.
Natalia has experience in creating self-paced computer-based learning experiences for adult learners. Her approach involves incorporating cognitive models of multimedia learning and instructional design principles in curriculum design and content development. Natalia prioritizes the usability and accessibility of interactive courseware by adopting a human-centered design approach throughout the course creation process.
Before joining the Teaching Center, Natalia worked as an instructional designer and program officer for multilateral organizations in the humanitarian and economic development sectors.
Complementary or Adversarial? The Roles of Facilitators and AI Tutors in Today’s Online Learning Landscape.
Track
Emerging Education Technologies and Innovations
Description
4/3/2025 | 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
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