Using Chatbots to increase student engagement: Exploring the usage of AI as an accessibility tool

In this poster presentation, I explore the potential usage of chatbots as an accessibility tool and as a method to increase student engagement. Within the higher education context, chatbots are a form of artificial intelligence (AI) that creates a personalized learning approach and provides students with immediate feedback. Its features are typically available 24/7 to students and its stress-free learning environment allows students to ask questions and seek answers at their own pace. Chatbots as an accessibility tool can provide real-time captioning and visual records of spoken communication or chat. It can also create an inclusive learning environment such as by translating languages in real-time for international or English as a Second Language (ESL) students. However, even with the benefits of chatbots, educators should also be aware of the AI tool’s disadvantages. For example, chatbots can sometimes enforce stereotypes or biases among its users and can also possibly hinder students’ critical thinking skills. Keeping this in mind, the purpose of my presentation is to allow participants to learn about the application of chatbots as a way to improve accessibility and increase student engagement among college students. Participants will be able to obtain key takeaways about the AI tool that they can apply in real-world settings with their students.