SFU prof debuts 3D artificial intelligence teaching sidekick

The classroom of tomorrow is arriving today, not with a bang, but with a nuanced conversation. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, its potential to transform education is becoming clearer, moving beyond mere tools to genuine collaboration. But what does it truly mean to learn alongside AI? Simon Fraser University (SFU) is pioneering an answer.

Meet Kia: The AI Teaching Sidekick

At SFU in Burnaby, B.C., a groundbreaking experiment is underway. Professor Steve DiPaola has introduced Kia, an expressive 3D digital persona, as a teaching sidekick in his first-year course on the history and ethical challenges of AI. Kia is not just a chatbot; she's a visual, emotive presence, designed to engage students in real-time discussions.

Redefining Classroom Interaction

Kia's role is precise: to offer immediate answers, provide insights, and facilitate lively discussions. As Kia herself explains, “I'll be here to provide answers, insights, and to facilitate lively discussion whenever questions arise.” This approach shifts the dynamic, allowing students to directly query and even debate an AI, making abstract concepts tangible. Professor DiPaola stresses that Kia is a collaborator, not a replacement for human teaching assistants or an assessor of student work. Her purpose is purely pedagogical.

The Power of Anthropomorphizing AI

DiPaola’s core objective with Kia is to “anthropomorphize” AI. This means giving AI a relatable form to demystify its capabilities and limitations, exposing it for what it truly is—and isn't. When discussing AI ethics, having an AI present to participate in the conversation offers an unparalleled experiential learning opportunity. Students aren't just reading about AI; they are engaging with it, understanding its nuances through direct interaction.

Exploring Ethical Frontiers and Future Potential

The introduction of Kia sparks vital discussions across the academic landscape. While some, like UBC professor emeritus Alan Mackworth, caution against the “slippery slope” of anthropomorphizing AI, pointing out potential “hilarious mistakes,” these very challenges underscore the importance of such an experiment. Understanding AI's imperfections, biases, and evolving nature is crucial for future generations.

Conversely, education experts like Sarah Eaton from the University of Calgary view this as a clear signal of the future. She suggests we will see many more AI sidekicks supporting human educators, leading to personalized learning approaches for students with diverse needs. Kia’s debut is not just a technological feat; it's a glimpse into an educational future where AI works alongside us, enhancing pedagogy and supporting deeper understanding.

Your Role in the AI-Enhanced Future of Learning

This initiative at SFU is a powerful reminder that AI in education isn't a distant concept; it's here, evolving rapidly. For educators, it prompts a reflection on how AI can augment teaching, foster critical thinking, and create more engaging learning environments. For students, it highlights the importance of understanding AI not just as a tool, but as a complex entity with ethical implications that will shape their world.

How will you engage with this evolving landscape? Will you be a passive observer, or an active participant in shaping the integration of AI into learning? The conversation has begun; join it, question it, and help define the future of knowledge.