A chatbot is a software application designed to simulate human-like conversation with users, typically via text or voice interactions. Chatbots can respond to user queries, perform tasks, provide information, or guide users through processes by using rules, artificial intelligence (AI), or a combination of both.
In simpler terms: A chatbot is a computer program that talks with people—like texting or chatting—to help answer questions or perform tasks automatically.
Do you know chatbots have different forms?
Rule-Based Chatbots
- Operate on pre-defined rules and decision trees.
- Only respond to specific inputs or keywords.
- Limited flexibility but good for predictable tasks (e.g., FAQs, simple customer service).
- Example: A hotel website bot that only answers questions like “Check-in time?” or “Do you have free Wi-Fi?”
AI-Powered Chatbots
- Use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to understand intent and context.
- Can handle more complex, open-ended conversations.
- Continuously improve based on interactions.
- Example: ChatGPT, Google Bard, DeepSeek etc.
Voice-Based Chatbots (Voice Assistants)
- Interact with users through spoken language.
- Often integrated into smart devices or apps.
- Use speech recognition and synthesis.
- Example: Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant.
Social Messaging Chatbots
- Integrated into messaging apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or WeChat.
- Used for marketing, customer service, and e-commerce.
- Example: A clothing brand’s bot on Messenger that recommends outfits and processes orders.
Although chatbots vary widely in form and function, this discussion centers on those specifically designed or used to support teaching and learning in educational settings—particularly those that serve as personalized tutors.
Examples of AI-based chatbots in education
Bard, introduced in 2022, is a large language model chatbot created by Google AI. Its capabilities include generating text, language translation, producing various types of creative content, and providing informative responses to questions. Bard is still under development, it is currently not available in Canada.
ChatGPT, launched in 2022 by OpenAI, is a large language model chatbot that can generate text, produce diverse creative content, and deliver informative answers to questions. Although concerns exist, ChatGPT remains one of the most widely used and discussed chatbots in education today.
Replika, launched in 2017, is an AI chatbot platform that is designed to be a friend and companion for students. It can listen to students’ problems, offer advice, and help them feel less alone. Research suggests that using Replika for language practice can be an effective tool for language learning.
Launched in 2024, Khanmigo is an AI-powered chatbot developed by Khan Academy to act as a virtual tutor and learning companion. Khanmigo guides learners through problems step by step, encourages critical thinking, and offers personalized feedback. It also assists teachers by helping generate lesson ideas and classroom prompts.
Some educational apps integrate AI-powered chatbots directly into their platforms to enhance personalized learning. For example, Duolingo features conversational bots that help learners practice real-life language scenarios, while Quizlet’s AI assistant guides students through study sets with adaptive feedback and explanations.
Another type of educational chatbot is integrated directly into Learning Management Systems (LMS), such as Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard. These chatbots are designed to support students within a specific course or institutional context. For example, the UBC Canvas chatbot can answer course-related questions, remind students about deadlines, and guide them to relevant resources.
Benefits of using chatbots in education
Pedagogical Benefits of Integrating Chatbots:
- Chatbots have been found to improve teaching and learning, increase student engagement, and provide individualized experiences, especially for large classes.
- They can serve as intelligent learning systems, providing individual trajectories of education to students and effectively helping them learn.
- Chatbots can act as virtual teaching assistants, supporting educators through various means and fostering an adaptive learning environment by aiding students with various learning activities.
Contribution to Student Engagement:
- Chatbots have the potential to enhance student engagement by providing a platform for students and the institution to broadcast messages and answer students’ queries.
- They can foster participatory learning and improve digital literacy, which are key skills students should possess to become successful in their future educational and career endeavours.
However…
While chatbots offer benefits, many educational chatbots provide only superficial answers that discourage critical thinking and ignore how learning actually occurs. There is a significant opportunity to develop AI chatbots grounded in Vygotsky’s theory of scaffolding—tools that adaptively support learners, promote deeper cognitive engagement, and have the potential to help learners develop critical thinking.