AI use mirrors student schedules in study of 77,000 online learners
How do students actually use AI learning assistants? A new research paper by IU International University of Applied Sciences provides the first robust answers to this question. For the study "Using AI-based Learning Assistants in Higher Education: A Large-Scale Descriptive Analysis," the research team led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kristina Schaaff, Dr. Valerie Hekkel and Quintus Stierstorfer analyzed…
A recent study conducted by researchers at IU International University of Applied Sciences has analyzed the usage data from approximately 77,000 online learners who utilized the AI learning assistant, Syntea. This research represents the largest empirical analysis of an AI learning assistant's actual use in a higher education context.
The study, titled "Using AI-based Learning Assistants in Higher Education: A Large-Scale Descriptive Analysis," is the first of its kind to demonstrate the real-world usage behavior of such an assistant, as opposed to previous research that primarily relied on surveys and self-reported data.
The findings reveal that AI-supported learning does not occur in isolation from students' daily study routines. Rather, it reflects their individual life circumstances. For instance, part-time students tend to use Syntea more frequently during evenings and on weekends, while full-time students prefer using the AI learning companion during weekday daytime hours.
Contrary to the researchers' initial assumptions, the study also found that older students exhibited a higher level of usage. These insights, gained through the analysis of real usage data, can help guide the targeted development of Syntea.
The research also revealed that Syntea is adopted across a wide age range, with slightly higher usage among women. It was most intensive in the fields of Psychology & Education and Marketing & Communication. The study's findings provide a concrete mandate for Syntea's further development, which has recently transitioned from an AI assistant to a Learning Companion.
Future improvements will include multimodal capabilities, particularly for visually oriented degree programs, enabling Syntea to offer even more personalized support to students. Additionally, Syntea will increasingly provide personalized learning dialogues tailored to individual career goals and interests, thereby enhancing the practical relevance of higher education.
The accompanying research suggests that this approach can lead to increased student satisfaction and engagement.
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