Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine AI tools that will increase student engagement in online courses and provide support to teachers. In this context, AI tools were examined as a result of the literature review. These tools were examined under six headings: adaptive learning platforms, customized material creation tools, feedback and guidance tools, exam and test creation tools, student engagement monitoring tools, and classroom management tools. Some of the tools analyzed are ALEKS, SlidesAI, Squirrel, MagicForm, Quizbot, Nearpod, and Knewton Alta. It can be argued that these tools provide a range of benefits such as improving learning outcomes by increasing student engagement in online courses, personalizing learning experiences, improving teaching quality, providing tailored courses for students, and improving assessment. However, concerns such as unethical use of student data, limitations in measuring and assessing the learning process, and the inability of automated assessment systems to adequately assess emotion and creativity should be taken into account when using these tools.
TopIntroduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is defined as the art of producing machines that can fulfil tasks using human intelligence (Kurzweil et al., 1990). AI, which has become indispensable in our lives, affects many fields such as health, trade, transport and education. It is thought that its widespread use especially in education will provide a significant development (İşler & Kılıç, 2021). AI applications in online education as well as in traditional education are used by students and teachers today. AI in online education includes various tools and applications such as intelligent tutoring systems, human-computer interactions, learning analytics, teaching robots, and adaptive learning systems (Chen et al., 2020; Hinojo et al., 2019; Roll et al., 2018). These tools are needed to make the lessons more professional, interesting and fun, to select the most appropriate teaching material for a specific student population, and to make learning permanent by making learning processes easier (Nabiyev & Erümit, 2020). In addition, integrating these technologies into the education process will make learning more individualised, provide effective learning experiences, enable students to discover their talents, develop their creativity and reduce the workload of teachers (Haseski, 2019).
According to the Community of Inquiry theory developed by Garrison et al. (2003), the distance education process prioritises the interaction and collaboration between learners and the teacher, and encourages learners to have learning experiences together. The three basic elements of the community of enquiry are cognitive, social and instructional presence (Garrison et al., 2003). Instructional embeddedness refers to the role and influence of the teacher in a learning environment. According to instructional embeddedness, the teacher assumes a leadership role that manages the structure and process of the learning environment, supports learners to receive regular feedback and achieve their learning goals (Polat et al., 2013). Therefore, the use of AI in online education makes the role of the teacher even more important. Baker et al. (2019) state that if teachers use AI tools that perform tasks such as administration, assessment, feedback and plagiarism detection in their lessons, they can track students' learning progress, help them prepare lessons customised to students' needs, and focus on more creative activities with students, reducing the burden on teachers. Similarly, Pedro et al. (2019) state that teachers spend a lot of time on routine and other administrative tasks such as frequent repetition and answering questions about many subjects. Therefore, they argue that if AI-supported tools perform these routine tasks that teachers perform during the educational process, teachers can spend much more time on student guidance and one-to-one communication with their students.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability to think and imitate like a human. Artificial intelligence refers to computer programs that can perform complex tasks, learn, solve problems and make decisions. Artificial intelligence systems, which try to mimic some aspects of human intelligence, are often used in areas such as data analysis, pattern recognition, natural language processing, and game strategy development.
Online Course: Online courses are educational programs delivered over the internet, usually guided by a teacher or instructor. These courses aim to impart knowledge, skills or content to students on a specific topic. Students access course materials and resources online and participate in the learning process, often through interactive tools.
Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd): It refers to the use of artificial intelligence applications in the field of education to contribute to student learning. It also refers to the use of AI techniques and tools to improve students' learning processes, personalize teachers' course materials, monitor school performance through data analysis by school administrators, and improve educational policies.
Community of Inquiry Theory: A learning theory that focuses on promoting interactive learning and critical thinking in online environments in education. Teacher presence, social presence and cognitive presence complement each other, enabling students to have a deep and meaningful learning experience online.