National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State Commits $1.8M to Morgan State University
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on January 12, 2024 The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has awarded the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University a $7.6 million grant to study how chatbots can improve student outcomes in foundational college math and English courses, the university announced. Building on previous studies that demonstrate AI-enhanced chatbots increase grades and retention rates among lower-income and first-generation students, the NISS is investing $1.8 million from the grant to deploy chatbot technology in first-year math and English courses at partner school Morgan State University as part of a pilot initiative. At Morgan, the pilot project will investigate whether course-integrated chatbot communication can improve students’ academic experiences, particularly in areas such as feelings of connection with course instructors or sense of belonging, and select inputs (e.g., study time, take up of supplemental academic supports, assignment completion). It is expected to translate into meaningful outcomes including improved course performance, retention, and graduation. Through Technology Enhanced Academic Communication to Help in Math and English (TEACH ME), text-based chatbots with AI capabilities will be adapted to provide course-specific, proactive outreach and support to undergraduate students in first-year math and English courses. Over the next four years, the resources designated for Morgan will cover the costs of faculty course buyouts, stipends, grad assistant support, and hiring additional staffers, including a project director, data analysts, and other needed support. Funding will also cover the costs of a chatbot vendor, who can provide the technology and its implementation. “Far too many of our students find themselves struggling in gateway math and English courses,” said Dr. Ryan Maltese, associate vice president for Student Success and Retention at Morgan State. “By incorporating faculty-driven assistive technology directly into the classroom, our students will be able to engage their course materials at any time, in digitally native spaces that they have come to expect as a part of their everyday lives. Morgan State University is proud to partner in this innovative work that will help shape the future of higher education, and we look forward to working with our colleagues at GSU and UCF on this trailblazing initiative.” By fall 2024, researchers will begin piloting the chatbots at Morgan. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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