ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic led to all institutions of education having to transition to fully online learning almost immediately. However, research showed that online learning still lacked adequate interactions with students. This is even more problematic when students are online learning on their own, when adequate online scaffolding activities are absent. This study investigated the impact of chatbots as a scaffolding agent to assist student learning during their independent online learning times. A total of 62 Diploma level students participated in this mixed method research study and presented with a multimedia-based AI chatbot named MERLIN. Data was collected on their attitudes towards using it. Results showed that students were motivated to learn more using MERLIN, improved their learning, and wanted more chatbots in their other courses. These findings have important implications for using AI chatbots as a scaffolding and instructional tool in 21st-century learning environments. © 2022, International Journal of Technology. All Rights Reserved.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the educational landscape of institutions of higher education, which were predominantly face-to-face. In Malaysia, many universities converted their courses into online courses to keep up with the challenges of working from home during the pandemic, using web technologies and blended learning approaches. However, there are challenges in ensuring students’ attention and retention rates are maintained and enough support and scaffolding are provided to them when they are learning online. As such, the MERLIN Project was undertaken to develop a virtual learning assistant that would provide online support to students outside of their online classes. The project used Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology with Natural Language Processing (NLP) features to develop a chatbot that simulated human-like conversation between chatbot and students. Content in the learning environment was media-rich and mapped to Mayer’s 12 Multimedia Learning Principles. Data from 102 students was collected to gauge their perceptions and feedback. Results showed that students found the chatbot to be helpful in their learning process and improved their understanding of the course material. A conceptual learning framework for the use of AI chatbots as learning assistants is proposed to improve students’ online learning experiences in the new normal. © 2022. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education. All Rights Reserved.