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The design and implementation of a pilot chatbot in distance education
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Este artigo apresenta o design e a implementação de um chatbot em dois cursos de licenciatura numa Universidade de Ensino a Distância (EaD) em Portugal, utilizando um software de desenvolvimento de chatbots. O objetivo é abordar a seguinte questão de investigação: como pode um chatbot ajudar as equipas de coordenação de curso a gerir o crescente volume de pedidos de informação nos seus cursos de EaD? O artigo está dividido em duas partes. Na primeira parte, detalha-se o desenvolvimento de um chatbot utilizando o Melibo e descrevem-se os métodos empregues para criar a ferramenta. Na segunda parte, apresentam-se os resultados preliminares de um questionário administrado aos estudantes nesses dois programas, com o objetivo de recolher as suas perceções sobre o uso de chatbots como assistentes virtuais. Os resultados preliminares do questionário (n=119) indicam que, enquanto metade dos participantes está ciente do potencial dos chatbots, apenas um pequeno grupo os utilizou de facto. A maioria dos inquiridos manifesta concordância relativamente à capacidade dos chatbots em contribuir para o esclarecimento de dúvidas no âmbito das coordenações de cursos. Interrogados sobre a possibilidade de os estudantes recorrerem a assistentes virtuais como suporte às suas atividades académicas, 62% dos participantes revelaram-se favoráveis à ideia. Em contraste, 15% posicionaram-se contra a adoção desta ferramenta nos seus processos de aprendizagem.
This article presents the design and implementation of a chatbot in two undergraduate programmes at a Distance Learning University in Portugal, using a chatbot development software. The study aims to address the question: how can a chatbot help course teams to manage the growing volume of information requests in distance education courses? The article is divided into two parts. In the first part, the development of a chatbot using Melibo is detailed, describing the methods employed to create such a tool. In the second part, preliminary results of a questionnaire delivered to students in these two programmes are presented, aiming to gather their perceptions on the use of chatbots as virtual assistants. The preliminary results of the questionnaire (n=119) indicate that while half of the participants are aware of the potential of chatbots, a smaller portion have actually used them. Most respondents agree that chatbots can help clarify academic or administrative questions related to the course. When asked if students would consider using virtual assistants to support their academic activities, 62% of respondents expressed agreement with this idea, while 15% are against integrating this tool into their learning routine.
This article presents the design and implementation of a chatbot in two undergraduate programmes at a Distance Learning University in Portugal, using a chatbot development software. The study aims to address the question: how can a chatbot help course teams to manage the growing volume of information requests in distance education courses? The article is divided into two parts. In the first part, the development of a chatbot using Melibo is detailed, describing the methods employed to create such a tool. In the second part, preliminary results of a questionnaire delivered to students in these two programmes are presented, aiming to gather their perceptions on the use of chatbots as virtual assistants. The preliminary results of the questionnaire (n=119) indicate that while half of the participants are aware of the potential of chatbots, a smaller portion have actually used them. Most respondents agree that chatbots can help clarify academic or administrative questions related to the course. When asked if students would consider using virtual assistants to support their academic activities, 62% of respondents expressed agreement with this idea, while 15% are against integrating this tool into their learning routine.
Description
Keywords
Chatbots Inteligência artificial Ensino a distância Artificial intelligence Distance learning
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Huet, I., Casanova, D., Figueiredo, D., Hoque, T., Rocio, V., Barros, D & Isaias, P. (2024). The design and implementation of a pilot chatbot in distance education. In A. J. Osório, M. J. Gomes, A. Ramos, & A. L. Valente (Eds.), Challenges 2024: Espaços e Caminhos OnLife (1.ª ed., pp. 112-125). Portugal: Universidade do Minho. Centro de Competência.
Publisher
Universidade do Minho. Centro de Competência