Smart bots are interactive dialogue systems powered by artificial intelligence. They can be used as tools to promote teaching, support learning, and make knowledge more accessible in personalized ways.
On this page, we will present how to build a dedicated bot to enhance teaching and learning, and examine examples of its possible uses in academic contexts. Bots can be built using any of the major language engines—ChatGPT, Gemini, and others.
How is a bot built?
The building process consists of several stages, depending on the user’s needs and the tasks it is meant to perform:
- Defining the bot’s purpose – Will it answer frequently asked questions, assist with daily task management, or function as a learning guide?
- Data input – AI-based bots need data to learn and respond. This data may include documents, articles, questions and answers, or other materials that can be uploaded into the system.
- Training the bot – The bot must undergo a “training” process to learn and improve. During training, it is provided with data, asked user-like questions, and its responses are checked to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Integration into existing systems – Once the bot is trained and ready, it can be integrated into systems such as a website, app, or other platforms, and a link can be shared with users.
- Testing and improvement – After developing the bot, quality testing should be performed, and user feedback should be used to refine the bot’s algorithms and responses.
How can a bot support teaching and learning?
- Supporting student inquiries – A bot can simplify communication with students, answer common questions, provide guidance on assignments or course materials, and assist in tracking tasks.
- Enhancing the learning experience – Instructors can use bots to create personalized learning experiences for students, such as interactive exercises or textual questions that help learners study and prepare for exams.
- Bot for grading quizzes, exams, and assignments – The bot can be provided with a grading rubric, examples of human grading, and course materials. Student submissions—without identifying details—can then be entered for evaluation according to clear instructions. It is very important to include a human in the loop to ensure reliable and accurate assessment.
