How Virtual Assistants Are Changing the Way Students Approach Research
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies penetrate deeper into the education sphere every year. They are capable of changing the usual methods and ways of learning. AI capabilities improve educational processes and force us to rethink approaches to studying. At the same time, a number of questions arise about the impact of virtual assistants on the education sphere and research in particular. Let’s find out the answers to them.
The rise of generative AI and the widespread adoption of large language models like ChatGPT have sparked a new wave of discussion about the role of this technology in students’ homework. Of course, it is better not to resort to the help of virtual assistants fully when completing tasks, especially writing essays. The fact is that artificial intelligence is not yet capable of generating high-quality texts. In case of problems with writing papers, it is better to resort to the help of experts who offer advanced essay writing to students. In this case, you will be sure that your text is unique and written by a human.
The AI Market in Education
AI has a different impact on economic sectors and areas of our lives. Technology companies receive the greatest return from implementation. According to McKinsey experts, the global income of the IT industry over the next two years may grow by 9% thanks to AI. In the field of education, the integration of AI has its own specifics. The main goal of introducing technologies into educational processes is not to obtain economic benefits but to improve the quality of education, which is difficult to measure with an objective system of indicators. Nevertheless, McKinsey believes that the introduction of AI will provide an increase in income for the global education industry of up to 4%.
Technologies have penetrated the field of education at different rates and have not yet changed it radically. The “teacher-student” model has existed since ancient times, when the first schools were just emerging. It remained the same even after the appearance of computers in educational institutions in the 60s-70s of the last century. In the 21st century, the introduction of technologies into the learning process is more active, primarily due to the widespread use of communications and the Internet. The coronavirus pandemic has also become a strong incentive, forcing schools and universities around the world to switch to distance learning.
The role and share of technology in education is growing. According to IMARC Group, the global AI market in education reached $3.5 billion in 2023. The company estimates that the average annual growth rate of the market over the next ten years will be 35.82%. As a result, it will reach $55.3 billion.
The Use of Virtual Assistants in Research
AI has great potential for the education industry. First, it automates research tasks that take up a lot of students’ time. AI can become a guide in student research. Today, a market of AI-based applications and tools is being formed, based on which several trends can be identified.
Virtual assistants and research
Virtual assistants for students help users independently manage the learning process. They suggest a trajectory, provide feedback, and offer to solve tasks. Unlike a human teacher, virtual assistants are available 24/7 and can “speak” different languages. There are also examples of digital teachers. Communication between the student and the system occurs using voice, which imitates a conversation with a person as much as possible. The most accessible tool is various neural networks.
Personalized research
Personalized research is a research model in which the process is developed, taking the individual needs and aspirations of the student into account. This approach ensures a more effective search of material, increases students’ motivation, and helps them achieve their research goals, taking their abilities and speed of progress into account. At the same time, such a research model necessarily provides for high-quality feedback and constant adjustment of the research method.
Automation of research processes
Research is a complex and multifaceted process. In addition to looking for materials, there is a large layer of administrative work: drawing up a plan, working with sources, citing them, and so on. In classical research, it is assumed that students should spend most of their time going through all these stages on their own. With the help of virtual assistants, students can automate the process and save time.