'Curious Conversations' podcast: Yan Chen talks about AI and peer instruction
Yan Chen joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance this teaching and peer instruction in classrooms. Chen believes one potential use for AI, specifically large language models, is to monitor and analyze peer interactions in real-time. He shared the platform he and colleagues have created to do this, called VizPI, which aims to provide instructors with insights and recommendations to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment for students.
About Chen
Chen is an assistant professor of computer science and directs the Programming with Intelligent Machines and Environments Lab. He is active in the human-computer interaction research community, with projects spanning support tools, learning at scale, real-time data analysis, and computer science education.
Takeaways
Peer instruction is a teaching practice that involves students independently answering questions, discussing their reasoning with peers, and revising their answers.
AI, specifically large-language models, can be used to monitor and analyze these peer interactions in real-time, providing instructors with insights and recommendations.
The development of visualization tools and intuitive dashboards can help instructors effectively monitor peer instruction, adapting tasks as needed to facilitate more beneficial student-to-student engagement on topics.
Learn more
Technology grant program fosters teaching innovation
About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Travis Williams, assistant director of marketing and communications for the Office of Research and Innovation, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
