Wiley and ASU Partner to pilot AI-powered tutor for computer science students
Wiley and Arizona State University’s (ASU) Fulton Schools of Engineering are collaborating on an innovative project to help computer science students thrive in online coding labs. Together, they are developing a new AI-powered tutor designed to support students in overcoming obstacles and enhance their learning experience.
Currently in its pilot phase, the generative AI tutor is being tested in ASU’s computer science courses to help students navigate challenges they encounter in zyBooks Advanced zyLabs—Wiley’s interactive, online coding labs. Unlike traditional tutoring methods that might offer direct answers, this AI tutor takes a more thoughtful approach. It provides targeted feedback, offering hints and guidance to help students recognize and correct their own mistakes, promoting deeper learning through problem-solving.
Encouraging the “productive struggle”
The core goal of the AI tutor is to foster what educators call the “productive struggle”—the process in which students learn more effectively by working through challenges rather than being handed the solution. By encouraging students to push through these hurdles, the AI tutor aims to improve problem-solving skills and increase their ability to complete online labs successfully.
This past summer, Wiley and ASU completed the first phase of the pilot in an introductory programming course. Feedback from both students and instructors highlighted the tutor’s potential to support learning. Overall, the initial results were promising, with students reporting a positive impact on their lab work.
A collaborative approach to innovation
The AI tutor project is a true collaboration between Wiley and ASU. ASU instructors closely monitor the tutor’s performance in real-time, providing valuable insights to Wiley’s research and development team. This feedback loop allows for continuous improvements and adjustments to the tutor, ensuring it becomes an even more effective tool for students.
What’s next?
The next stage of the pilot will focus on measuring how effectively the AI tutor helps students complete their online coding labs. This phase will include both a control group and a research group to assess the tutor’s impact in detail. Results from this research are expected in early 2025, with findings available by late spring.
zyBooks, which host the zyLabs coding labs, are known for their interactive approach to learning, combining animations, challenge activities, and auto-graded exercises to engage students. The integration of the AI tutor represents a significant step forward in making these learning tools even more effective in empowering students to overcome challenges and succeed in their studies.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development as Wiley and ASU continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in online education. Would you be interested in hearing about the latest zyBooks AI features and communicating with our product team about your experiences? Click here and submit the form to get on the list.
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