Revolutionizing Education: Morehouse College Introduces AI Teaching Assistants This Fall
This fall semester, students at Morehouse College, a distinguished Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Atlanta, are set to experience a groundbreaking educational aid: AI Teaching Assistants (TAs). These aren’t your ordinary TAs; they are digital, animated, and powered by advanced artificial intelligence, capable of interacting with students to answer their queries anytime, anywhere.
In an era where technology and education increasingly intersect, Morehouse College is taking a significant leap. Professors from various departments are gearing up to integrate these digitized versions of themselves into their classrooms. This innovative tool is not just a technological marvel but a practical solution designed to enrich the classroom experience. It offers students the assistance they need, whether they are burning the midnight oil studying for exams or simply seeking to clarify concepts outside scheduled class hours.
The AI TAs are accessed through a straightforward web link, compatible with any Chrome Browser. This initiative is the brainchild of VictoryXR, a company at the forefront of educational VR and AI technologies, according to its CEO Steve Grubbs. The platform facilitates revisiting classroom lectures for students who miss a class and provides answers to basic questions that would typically be addressed during office hours. “The system is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing most professors to create their digital TA autonomously with a basic setup form. For this pioneering phase, our team at VictoryXR is providing hands-on support to ensure a smooth roll-out,” Grubbs explained.
The collaboration between Morehouse College and VictoryXR began amidst the global shift to online education caused by the pandemic, reveals Dr. Muhsinah L. Morris, a prominent figure in Morehouse’s Department of Education. This partnership has flourished, focusing on integrating AI into the learning environment and establishing a ‘Metaversity’—an initiative aimed at bolstering asynchronous learning during the challenging times of restricted in-person educational interactions.
Dr. Morris shares the enthusiasm surrounding the introduction of AI TAs among students. “The students are excited and feel acknowledged; it’s like we’ve created a tailored tool specifically for enhancing their educational journey,” Morris remarked. This sentiment resonates with the broader academic community at Morehouse, where departments across the board are eager to incorporate AI TAs into their curriculum.
“In the Education Department, we see this technology as a vital addition to our future teachers’ toolkit, helping them navigate and implement innovative teaching methods. The History Department, under the leadership of VR pioneer Dr. Ovell Hamilton, and the Student Success Center, headed by Dr. Derrick Bryan, are among the many looking forward to leveraging these AI TAs to complement traditional teaching methodologies and enhance student outcomes,” Morris added.
The adoption of AI TAs at Morehouse is more than just an introduction of novel technology; it’s a forward-thinking approach to education. By melding artificial intelligence with academic instruction, Morehouse College aims to explore the effectiveness of these digital assistants in boosting student engagement, improving grades, and receiving positive feedback from the students themselves.
This ambitious project is a testament to Morehouse College’s commitment to embracing future technologies and tailoring them to meet the specific needs of their students. It marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of higher education, where innovation and tradition converge to foster an enriched learning environment.
