Numerade is bringing its STEM videos and multi-modal AI tutor, Ace, to the students of George Fox University. One of the biggest challenges facing college students in STEM courses is finding the help you need when doing your problem sets when you actually sit down to them. If all work were done during regular business hours and in locations near student support centers, this would not be a problem. But the realities of student academic work schedules, whether due to balancing other priorities such as work and family or just due to a surplus of distractions and lack of disciplined working habits, are such that it is often late at night when students find themselves staring at equations, and problem sets that are resisting giving up their answers.
Numerade, with over 150 million AI video tutorials for STEM courses, solves this problem. Founded in 2019, Numerade has worked with over 60,000 professional educators worldwide to develop step-by-step video solutions to standard problems from STEM textbooks. Enhanced with its AI tutor, Ace, students can just point their camera at any problem in countless textbooks to receive a step-by-step video solution delivered by an experienced educator. Students can view and review the solution and can ask Ace questions about it in a conversational manner.
George Fox University, the largest private university in Oregon, has just entered into a strategic partnership with Numerade to provide these resources to students free of charge.
AI: Empowering Learning or Enabling Cheating?
The integration of AI into education is a topic of ongoing debate. Some argue that AI tools can enhance learning by providing personalized support and immediate feedback. Others worry that these tools could be used for cheating, undermining the integrity of academic assessments. This partnership between George Fox University and Numerade raises important questions about how to balance the potential benefits of AI with the need to maintain academic integrity.
George Fox University’s Approach
George Fox University has adopted a cautious approach to AI integration, prioritizing learning over shortcuts. The university selected Numerade because it is designed to help students learn, not simply provide answers. Rick Muthiah, Director of Learning Support Services at George Fox University, highlighted this aspect, stating, “Given the abundance of AI tools, I see great value in guiding students to Numerade’s Ace AI tutor, which is trained to promote learning. Numerade is working to foster true understanding rather than just providing quick answers.”
The Challenge of AI in Learning
The challenge lies in ensuring that students use AI tools to deepen their understanding and not as a crutch to avoid genuine learning. The analogy of a robotic personal trainer is helpful. The robot can demonstrate proper form and complete the exercise, but the student must then replicate those actions to truly benefit from the exercise. Similarly, AI tools can provide solutions and guidance, but students must actively engage with the material and apply their knowledge to learn effectively.
Designing Assignments for AI-Assisted Learning
Traditional assignments need to be adapted for the AI-powered learning environment. In the case of writing assignments, AI can generate content, but students should be tasked with editing, revising, and composing original work. In the case of problem sets, AI can provide solutions, but students should be given similar problems to solve independently, applying their newfound understanding.
The Future of AI in Education
The partnership between George Fox University and Numerade represents a significant step in the integration of AI into education. The university’s commitment to fostering learning and its careful selection of AI tools demonstrate a responsible approach to AI in education. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial for educational institutions to develop strategies for leveraging its benefits while mitigating its risks. By fostering a culture of critical thinking, ethical use, and genuine learning, AI can become a valuable tool for empowering students to reach their full potential.
The Next Chapter: AI, Learning, and the Future of Education
This partnership signifies a crucial moment in the evolving landscape of education. The integration of AI holds the potential to transform the way students learn, providing access to resources and support that were previously unimaginable. It is, however, a journey that requires careful navigation. Ensuring that AI tools are used for genuine learning, rather than as shortcuts, is paramount. The future of AI in education lies in its ability to empower learners, foster critical thinking, and unlock new possibilities for academic achievement. The story of George Fox University and Numerade is a testament to the transformative potential of AI, but it is also a reminder that responsible integration and thoughtful implementation are essential for realizing its true value in education.
