Saturday, May 20, 2023

AI Tutors for the Interactive Level of Generative Activity

As stated in a previous post, I have a scholarly interest in the identification of external learning tasks that impact internal cognitive activities. Such activities are often referred to as generative activities. Chi (2009) proposed a framework for classifying generative activities identifying interactive tasks as potentially the most productive. Activities that involve interaction with others made me think of tutoring and specifically taking advantage of AI large language "chats" that can ask the AI system to function as a tutor. I then asked an AI service to comment on the notes I had taken to see how these ideas (interactive generative activity and AI as tutor) might work together. The citation for the framework for generative activities is included here. I have generated some key terms for emphasis. 

Chi, M. T. (2009). Active‐constructive‐interactive: A conceptual framework for differentiating learning activities. Topics in cognitive science, 1(1), 73-105.

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Introduction


Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making significant strides in various fields, including education. One area where AI can have a profound impact is tutoring, where personalized learning experiences can be tailored to individual students' needs. In this blog post, we will explore how Chi's (2009) framework of generative learning activities - active, constructive, and interactive - can be used to argue that AI-powered tutoring should be effective in enhancing students' learning experiences.


Active Learning with AI


The first level of Chi's framework is active learning, which involves engaging with the material to activate existing knowledge and store new input. AI-powered tutoring systems can facilitate active learning by providing students with personalized content and pacing based on their progress. This adaptive approach ensures that learners are consistently challenged and engaged with the material, leading to better retention and understanding.


Constructive Learning through AI


Constructive learning, the second level in Chi's framework, involves creating a product based on existing knowledge. AI tutoring systems can support constructive learning by providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in various contexts. For example, an AI tutor might prompt a student to summarize a concept they've just learned or solve a problem using newly acquired skills. These activities encourage learners to organize and elaborate on their understanding, leading to deeper comprehension.


Interactive Learning via AI


The highest level of generative learning in Chi's framework is interactive learning, which involves engaging with others to produce a product that integrates external input with personal knowledge. AI tutoring systems can simulate interactive learning experiences by incorporating natural language processing and machine learning algorithms that enable them to understand and respond to students' questions and inputs effectively.


AI tutors can engage in meaningful conversations with learners, providing real-time feedback and guidance based on their responses. This interactive approach fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can refine their understanding through dialogue with the AI tutor, much like they would with a human tutor.


Conclusion


In conclusion, Chi's framework of generative learning activities - active, constructive, and interactive - provides a strong foundation for arguing that AI-powered tutoring should be effective in enhancing students' learning experiences. By facilitating active engagement with the material, supporting constructive learning through application and elaboration, and simulating interactive learning experiences through meaningful conversations, AI tutoring systems have the potential to revolutionize education.


As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, it is crucial for educators and researchers to explore innovative ways to harness its potential in tutoring and personalized learning. By leveraging Chi's framework of generative learning activities, we can better understand how AI can be used effectively in education and help students achieve their full potential.

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