About this Research Topic
Conversational AI, short for Conversational Artificial Intelligence, refers to a set of technologies and techniques used to create systems and applications that can engage in conversations with humans. In other words, these systems are designed to understand and generate human language, allowing them to interact with users in a way that feels like a conversation between two people (including engaging emotionally/cognitively/socially in a similar way to if they were dealing with a human). Applications of conversational AI are diverse and include chatbots, virtual assistants, customer support systems, voice-activated devices, and more, and are used in a variety of industries. For this issue, the focus will be about their use and impact on student experience in Higher Education (HE) which also includes virtual worlds.
Conversational AI can play a significant role in higher education by enhancing various aspects of the educational and student experience, improving processes, accessibility, and providing support to both students and staff. Through AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, students can receive personalized academic advice, tutoring, and even course recommendations. These AI systems can also facilitate administrative tasks, streamlining enrollment/registration, and support with any queries students may have during their studies. Accessibility can be another key focus, as the project aims to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can access educational content and resources easily. Conversational AI can also play a role in virtual worlds related to education. Finally, conversational AI tools can have an impact on academic performance. The goal of this Research Topic is to explore different perspectives and uses of conversational AI in Higher Education and how these have enhanced student engagement and academic success.
Specific themes in this Research Topic:
- Conversational AI and learning support/learning development
- Conversational AI and student engagement/academic performance/academic success
- The impact of virtual agents and/or virtual worlds in HE
- The impact of having 24/7 conversational support to teaching and learning in HE (e.g. digital human teachers, Q&A chatbots, virtual classrooms, etc.)
- Theoretical frameworks for the inclusion of Conversational AI in Higher Education
- Virtual worlds and Conversational AI
- Equity, diversity and accessibility opportunities and risks in the use of conversational AI
- Appropriate ethical and/or academic integrity uses, including potential risks, of using Conversational AI in education
Types of manuscript welcomed:
- Research articles
- Review articles
- Case studies
Conversational AI can play a significant role in higher education by enhancing various aspects of the educational and student experience, improving processes, accessibility, and providing support to both students and staff. Through AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants, students can receive personalized academic advice, tutoring, and even course recommendations. These AI systems can also facilitate administrative tasks, streamlining enrollment/registration, and support with any queries students may have during their studies. Accessibility can be another key focus, as the project aims to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can access educational content and resources easily. Conversational AI can also play a role in virtual worlds related to education. Finally, conversational AI tools can have an impact on academic performance. The goal of this Research Topic is to explore different perspectives and uses of conversational AI in Higher Education and how these have enhanced student engagement and academic success.
Specific themes in this Research Topic:
- Conversational AI and learning support/learning development
- Conversational AI and student engagement/academic performance/academic success
- The impact of virtual agents and/or virtual worlds in HE
- The impact of having 24/7 conversational support to teaching and learning in HE (e.g. digital human teachers, Q&A chatbots, virtual classrooms, etc.)
- Theoretical frameworks for the inclusion of Conversational AI in Higher Education
- Virtual worlds and Conversational AI
- Equity, diversity and accessibility opportunities and risks in the use of conversational AI
- Appropriate ethical and/or academic integrity uses, including potential risks, of using Conversational AI in education
Types of manuscript welcomed:
- Research articles
- Review articles
- Case studies
Keywords: Conversational AI, Higher Education, Teaching, Learning, AI, Large Language Models, Chatbots, Virtual Classrooms
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
