There are a growing number of instruction and training models that are injecting DVA's into the mix. It depends on what tasks you want the assistant to manage. It could be administrative tasks, grading tasks, or tutoring. Some of these tasks require more complex coding to ensure a good experience occurs and assitant provides sufficient solution. "Complementary machine intelligence and human intelligence in virtual teaching assistant for tutoring program tracing" is a good example of a study that leaveraged a virtual assistant to provide tutoring to students in the study. The study showed there was significant value using the digital assistant for the various tasks. Since some of the tasks require complex evaluation and response, the learning assistant program incorporated AI with natural language to close the communication gap and have the assistant learn and better predict on complex situations (Chung, Hong-Huang, and Lin, 2011).
Review "Smart Machines and Human Expertise: Challenges for Higher Education" for more specifics on how AI has shifted the value of the virtual chatbot.
Digital Virtual Assistants already provide solutions to questions, searches, and simple tasks. Business industries have shifted to using chatbots and AI that help make their business more productive. More productivity means more money, which seems to fuel smarter machines, which many require 1/3 of the world to change how to do their jobs. This is another incentive to move virtual assistants more into the education sector.
Newer AI and robotics technologies are being researched to sift through big data and get smarter. Cognitive mechanisms are being added so the systems can learn and build expertise. The idea is to augment humans, not replace them. These smart-systems can professionally help humans, whether in business or education.
Virtual Assistants, especially voice activated assistants, work best when there is more complex algorithms that create smarter decisions. CLICK HERE FOR AI IN DVA's
Virtual Assistants are powerful tools to help students learn and for teachers to get assistance with tasks. AI adds layer of intelligence to the conversations. But sometimes, there needs to be a way for devices to learn communication styles and how to personalize with the humans. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS