Developer rolls out AI study tool to help students and professors

AUSTIN (KXAN) – As Texas college students return to the classroom, some will be able to use an AI power tool to assist with their learning.

Pearson, a electrionic learning company, rolled out a beta version of the tool in the Fall 2023 for some courses. At the start of the of Fall 2024 semester, this tool will be accessible to millions of students in the US, including Texas.

The tool provides students with personalized feedback and tips when they are learning different concepts, such as through multiple choice questions.

"What we've done is create a real thoughtful intervention using large language models that emulates that 'office hours,'" said Chris Hess, Pearson's Director of AI Management.

Texas State student Izi Allen used the tool many times in the last academic year, and she said it benefited her learning greatly.

"I'm able to go in and say, I'm really not understanding this paragraph. Can you help me explain it," Allen said. "I think having something like that is extremely beneficial, because it gets me started."

Hess says the AI study guide not benefits students, but also professors.

As a former professor, Hess said he felt as if he fell short of being the good enough professor due to the mounting responsibilities. The tool aims to help students if the professor is unable to be there.

"(The tool) can help them become more efficient teachers," Hess said. "They can spend more individual time with students."

One may wonder, what advantage does Pearson's study tool have that OpenAI’s ChatGPT's doesn't?

"ChatGPT will just give you the answer," Hess said. "(ChatGPT) might give an explanation, but this is going to walk you through the prerequisite ideas that you need to understand in a really thoughtful, pedagogically sound series of scaffolded questions.

Heading into a new academic school year, Allen said she's happy to have this type of resource to help her learn better.

"My grades have improved a lot," Allen said.

The AI study tool will be available in the fall of 2024 in the entire University of Texas system, Texas A&M University at College Station, Austin Community College, University of North Texas and the University of Houston.