{"id":587,"date":"2019-12-01T21:25:27","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T05:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malat-webspace.royalroads.ca\/rru0115\/?p=587"},"modified":"2019-12-05T11:45:54","modified_gmt":"2019-12-05T19:45:54","slug":"virtual-learning-assistant-using-empathetic-design-to-create-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malat-webspace.royalroads.ca\/rru0115\/virtual-learning-assistant-using-empathetic-design-to-create-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Learning Assistant: Using empathetic design to create change [prototype]"},"content":{"rendered":"

[Photo by\u00a0freestocks.org<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0Unsplash<\/a>]\n

Context & Statement of a Problem\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The design thinking challenge provided us with an opportunity to take a more empathetic approach to the needs of learners. Using the design thinking process, in step 1, we have identified that there was a significant gap in supporting learners after one-off\/sporadic online training sessions in both professional and academic environments that both Eunice and Marta are part of. Currently, there is a lack of follow up opportunities between instructors and adult learners, an absence of a learner-centred community or networking opportunities, a high level of difficulty in tracking the transfer of knowledge, and little support to assist in growing learners\u2019 knowledge and skills as they complete their training.\u00a0 Through our first-hand experience, we have observed that our students do not engage in the intellectual risk-taking during the training sessions and rarely engage in the follow-up questions. To address this problem, we have designed a tool that will engage learners and open possibilities for engagement and intellectual risk-taking.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Our design thinking process. [This is an interactive image, please click on the dots to interact with it].<\/figcaption><\/figure>Prototype description and features\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

As a solution to our problem, we will leverage the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to build a Virtual Learning Assistant (VLA) prototype in the form of an application for mobile devices. This app will be designed to support learners after each training session to ensure they continue to stay engaged and optimize their learning opportunities. <\/span><\/p>\n

Features of the Virtual Learning Assistant include:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n