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Meet the AI tutor helping polytechnic students learn better
🇸🇬 Singapore /Technology

Meet the AI tutor helping polytechnic students learn better

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Ngee Ann Polytechnic and NCS have developed an AI Tutor, an artificial intelligence tool designed to help polytechnic students learn module concepts more effectively.
  • The AI Tutor acts as a 24/7 learning companion, providing tailored support and improving understanding at the students' own pace.
  • Early results show an 8-10% improvement in examination pass rates among students who utilized the tool compared to those who did not.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) in Singapore, in collaboration with NCS, has launched an innovative AI Tutor aimed at enhancing learning for polytechnic students. This curriculum-grounded tool is designed to provide personalized support, helping students grasp complex module concepts faster and with greater depth, functioning as a dedicated 24/7 learning companion.

We saw an 8 to 10 per cent improvement in examination pass rates among students who used the tool, compared with a previous batch that did not.

— Ms Lynn FongReporting on the effectiveness of the AI Tutor.

The AI Tutor addresses a common challenge faced by adult learners, particularly those in continuing education and training programs who often juggle full-time jobs. These students may encounter difficult questions outside of regular class or consultation hours. The AI Tutor offers immediate assistance, reinforcing understanding and allowing students to progress at their own pace, which can be crucial for those with limited opportunities to consult lecturers.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES AI TUTOR IS THAT IT IS NOT JUST REACTIVE BUT PEDAGOGICALLY INTENTIONAL.

— Ms Lynn FongExplaining the unique pedagogical approach of the AI Tutor.

Ms. Lynn Fong, senior director and registrar at NP and director of its Centre for Learning & Teaching Excellence, highlighted the tool's impact, noting an 8 to 10 percent improvement in examination pass rates among students who used the AI Tutor compared to a previous cohort. She emphasized that the AI Tutor is not merely reactive but "pedagogically intentional," differentiating it from standard chatbots.

By anchoring AI Tutor in relevant materials, we guide learners in a structured and pedagogically sound way to arrive at an accurate conceptual understanding of the subject matter.

— Ms Lynn FongDescribing how the AI Tutor ensures accurate learning.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools that draw information from the internet, the AI Tutor is grounded in NP's specific course materials. This ensures that responses are aligned with academic standards and curriculum objectives, minimizing the risk of inaccurate or irrelevant information. Mr. Lu Zuokun, strategy and innovation senior manager at NCS, explained that the partnership combines NP's curriculum expertise with NCS's AI engineering capabilities and behavioral insights to create responsive and adaptive learning interactions.

Learners engage with ideas consistently, in line with what they are expected to analyse, apply and evaluate in the curriculum.

— Ms Lynn FongFurther elaborating on the structured learning process facilitated by the AI Tutor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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