Meet The AI Teaching Assistants that are Transforming Learning at Morehouse College

This fall semester, Morehouse College, a prestigious historically Black college, is breaking new ground by introducing AI-driven teaching assistants in its classrooms. Building on its pioneering work with metaversities, the college is set to roll out virtual, AI-powered versions of five instructors, designed to offer personalized support to students far beyond the capabilities of traditional chatbots.

According to Dr. Muhsinah Morris, a leading figure in this initiative, every professor could have an AI teaching assistant within the next three to five years. Dr. Morris, who has been instrumental in launching this project, believes these AI TAs will transform how education is delivered by providing tailored, on-demand assistance that adapts to each student’s unique learning needs.

Morehouse College has partnered with VictoryXR, a technology company specializing in virtual reality education, to develop these innovative AI teaching assistants. The professors will collaborate with VictoryXR to create virtual 3D spatial avatars that can engage in two-way oral conversations with students. These avatars, which Dr. Morris describes as the world’s first spatial AI teaching assistants, will go beyond just providing answers—they’ll offer a dynamic, interactive learning experience.

Unlike standard AI chatbots, these AI TAs are trained on specific course curricula and can use visuals to help explain complex concepts. The avatars reflect both the learning objectives of the course and the personality of the instructor, making them a true extension of the teacher. They can break down difficult concepts conversationally, much like what happens during office hours, which not only saves instructors time but also engages students who might hesitate to ask for help in traditional settings.

This 2024 fall semester, the pilot program will introduce these AI TAs in five courses at Morehouse, with plans to eventually expand their use to all instructors within the next few years. The goal is to improve student success outcomes and broaden access to cutting-edge technology. Dr. Morris, who previously served as the interim department chair of chemistry at Morehouse, acknowledges that instructors often struggle with capacity, particularly when they lack teaching assistants. The AI TAs will help alleviate this burden by managing assessments, conducting virtual office hours, and providing 24/7 support, all while offering 3D demonstrations to enhance understanding.

“These are different from chatbots because, one, they’re conversational” Dr. Morris said in a video shared by VictoryXR. “Two, they’re 3D, and you might just hear my AI TA speak Mandarin,” Dr. Morris said in a video shared by VictoryXR. This innovation marks a significant leap forward in educational technology, positioning Morehouse College at the forefront of a new era in teaching and learning.

As Morehouse continues to lead the way in integrating AI into education, this initiative could very well set the standard for colleges and universities across the nation. The future of education is here, and it’s being shaped by AI teaching assistants that are as interactive and engaging as they are informative.

Resources:

Keenan, Sara. “Morehouse College is Launching 3D AI Teaching Assistants.” Peopleofcolorintech.com. 25 June, 2024. 

https://peopleofcolorintech.com/articles/morehouse-college-is-launching-3d-ai-teaching-assistants/

​​Nobles, Wilborn. “Morehouse College to Use AI Teaching Assistants This Fall.” News.Morehouse.edu. 10 July, 2024. https://news.morehouse.edu/morehouse-college-to-use-ai-teaching-assistants-this-fall

Sourwine, Abby. “Morehouse College to Add AI Teaching Assistants This Fall.” GovTech.com. 11 July, 2024. https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/morehouse-college-to-add-ai-teaching-assistants-this-fall