The advances of technology in the modern world has dramatically changed how we live our day-to-day lives including the learning processes. However, according to the data provided by the Commission, 37% of the EU workforce has low digital skills or none and only 20-25% of them are taught by teachers who are confident using technology in the classroom. Early 2018, the Commission adopted a Digital Education Action Plan which includes 11 initiatives to support technology use and digital competence development in education, one of its key action focuses on supporting the digital readiness of both general and vocational schools by strengthening their digital capacity.
This is why the partners created this project that aims at designing and testing an innovative digital methodology for VET that combines Conversational Agent Technology or chatbot with an ad hoc designed modular learning path. /p>
Chatbots are computer programs that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to conduct conversation via auditory or textual methods. It is a form of a dialog system of virtual assistant, giving them the ability to, for example, small talking or engaging in casual conversations unrelated to the scopes of their primary expert systems. Its usage has increased enormously in the last 5 years with the internet of things but also with their integration on massive messaging platform (Facebook Messenger, WeChat or Kik). Instead of downloading yet another app, users are comfortable using their messaging apps to complete other tasks, like booking a table or checking the weather.
Adapted chatbot systems can offer students a range of advantages and act as a digital form of tutoring based on their ability to respond to their needs in an immediate and natural manner, particularly where interaction occurs within the broader context of an integrated learning environment. Furthermore, chatbots exhibit the capacity to create informal connections with users that they can be leveraged to support ubiquity and self-directed learning as well as personal and professional development. These characteristics are extremely important in the learning process and the benefits of the tutoring of students has been demonstrated on many occasions in the scientific literature for all learners, and especially for the disadvantaged ones.
This is why we offer to create together a Tutor Chatbot to support the students in their learning process and the trainers in their training. To do so we intend give the tools to trainers to create their own chatbot in the form of a chatbot creator platform, but also 4 different chatbots, filled with content and connected to the learning outcomes of the VET centres involved in the project, as well as a chatbot design guide and a chatbot creation training module to support trainers and VET organisations in developing their own chatbots.