Abstract
Aim/Background: The possible lack of adaptable and effective student support systems in conventional educational techniques may hinder the continuous development of successful academic learning processes and lead to inconsistent learning outcomes. Generative AI chatbots have the potential to change pedagogy and the learning environment by influencing students’ academic practices and personalized experiences. This study aims to present a novel generic step-by-step framework based on a competency-based learning (CBL) approach, to improve student academic practices using generative AI-powered chatbots.
Methods: The proposed roadmap framework integrates the competency structure learning methodology with chatbot tools; and provides appropriate guided prompt examples for each part, related to the “Industrial Automation” engineering course as a guided subject. The targeted goal is to enhance students’, knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs); hence, boosting overall learning outcomes. The effectiveness has been evaluated through three different students’ groups (A, B, and C), across three different courses, using mixed quantitative surveys, questionnaires, and qualitative creative tasks.
Results: Quantitative data from surveys and questionnaires, along with qualitative responses to the creative tasks, indicated student positive perceptions and self-response. Results analysis of the three groups showed the enhancement of student engagement and enabled them to explore topics at their own pace and receive personalized targeted feedback.
Conclusion: This paper has suggested a promising generic framework, integrating the CBL structure approach with generative AI chatbots, to enhance student academic practices. Practical “Do” and “Don’t” advice to help learners inimize possible associated problems, such as over-reliance and plagiarism is finally listed.