Using AI to Nudge Students to Study Groups and Tutoring

Fri, 11 May 2018 12:20:21 -0400
ai, digital-coach, pilot, studytree

UMBC's Division of Information Technology (DoIT) partnered with the Learning Resource Center (LRC) and several faculty members during the Spring 2018 term to pilot an artificial intelligence (AI), phone-based app called StudyTree. Among other things, StudyTree can help students find and form study groups with classmates, connect with campus tutors, and receive feedback from an AI digital “coach” called Leon to get and stay on track for academic success.

During this initial deployment, the application garnered approximately 1,100 active users – approximately 10% of the undergraduate population – and a majority of an informal poll in CHEM 102 “Introductory Chemistry” indicated they would be interested in trying this technology in future academic terms if it were available. The good news? It will be!

DoIT is continuing the StudyTree pilot through the 2018-19 academic year. It is free to all students and faculty. Please contact Tom Penniston if you are interested in learning more about adopting this app to support your students.