What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI has been a hot topic in recent years, especially with the release of tools like ChatGPT. But what is it, exactly? The goal of AI is to simulate processes usually carried out by human intelligence through the performance of complex mathematical calculations called algorithms. These algorithms are “trained” using data—lots and lots of data!—and rules to improve their performance.
How Can AI Be Used in Alloprof’s Tools?
Alloprof has supercharged its search tool with artificial intelligence so students can find explanations for their school-related questions in the blink of an eye! For example, our search tool can understand what a student is looking for, even if the exact or proper terms were not used or if grammar or spelling errors were made. Students are then able to more easily and rapidly find what they are looking for among tens of thousands of educational resources on our site, all of which have been created and reviewed by specialists in line with the Quebec Education Program.
Currently, AI is also being used in the Help Zone to provide recommendations. An algorithm was trained to find and instantly suggest the most relevant concept sheets on our site to help students with their questions . Students can then review a recommended concept sheet while they wait for an explanation to be posted by a peer and reviewed by the Alloprof team.
How Does Alloprof Integrate AI Into Its Platform?
Alloprof has been interested in AI for many years. Specifically, we want to find out how this technology could help Quebec students achieve academic success. The Alloprof team, which already comprises experts from a variety of different fields, collaborates with experienced partners and self-reflects at every stage to ensure that the solution aligns with the Alloprof mission and values and, most importantly, supports students, in order to make a true difference in society.
When it comes to AI, Alloprof is working with leading industry players in the AI space such as Mila, IVADO, the HEC UX Chair and Tech3Lab to design and develop an ethical AI solution that truly supports education and student success.
The quality and accuracy of explanations and feedback provided to students have always been Alloprof’s top priority. AI alone will not solve all the academic difficulties of Quebec students, but it is an additional tool in our learning support toolbox. The solutions we have implemented so far are already enabling us to give quicker explanations to students with simple questions and free up more time for our “Ask a Teacher” specialists to answer questions from students with greater difficulties or who need help with more complex concepts.
To ensure that its technology projects are thoughtfully designed and deployed, Alloprof has drawn up an ethics charter on the use of artificial intelligence, which can be consulted here.
Questions?
Want to find out more about AI and Alloprof? Have questions or suggestions? Get in touch with us!