Grand Canyon University (GCU) is actively integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools into its educational framework. These innovations include Virtual Interactive Personas (VIPs) for counseling students, and specialized chatbots like Bloom and Aiden for education students. The initiative aims to provide authentic learning experiences, enhance academic skills, and prepare students with the necessary AI literacy for future careers, all while maintaining a secure platform aligned with the university’s values.
Virtual Interactive Personas (VIPs) for Counseling
GCU has developed Virtual Interactive Personas (VIPs) for its counseling students, allowing them to practice therapeutic skills in a safe, low-stakes environment. Dr. Armando Peelman highlights how these virtual patients, programmed to simulate real-life addiction scenarios, offer a more authentic learning experience compared to traditional role-play, enabling students to make mistakes and learn without risk. The goal is to better prepare students for challenging conversations in their professional careers, with plans to expand VIP integration across other graduate-level programs.
GCU's Comprehensive AI Initiative and Secure Platform
Beyond VIPs, GCU's AI integration encompasses approximately 16 AI tools introduced since 2023, including the initial nursing and science tutor chatbot, Mira. Miranda Hildebrand, executive director of Academic Web Services, emphasizes that this is a university-wide initiative. These tools are developed in-house on a secure platform called Mosaic, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and reflect GCU's Christian worldview. GCU leadership prioritizes preparing students with AI skills for post-graduation success.
Bloom Chatbot for Licensure Exam Preparation
In the College of Education, the 'Bloom' chatbot, named after Bloom's Taxonomy, was launched to assist students with licensure exam preparation. Dr. Jeremy Hayden, the college's director of outreach and student success, notes its particular focus on improving scores for content exams, which students often find challenging. Bloom offers multiple-choice questions and provides immediate feedback with correct answers and explanations. Its autonomous and asynchronous nature allows students to access support conveniently anytime, anywhere, supplementing existing resources.
Aiden Chatbot for Educator Role-Playing and Assessment
The College of Education also introduced 'Aiden,' a role-playing chatbot for graduate students training as technology coaches. Aiden facilitates practice scenarios, such as guiding an anxious teacher through a parent-teacher conference, offering a safe space to refine communication and coaching skills. Assistant professor Jillian Hartman, involved in Aiden's training, highlighted that the chatbot provides feedback aligned with the COE’s core values and competencies. The college plans to expand Aiden's use to all education students and utilize it for authentic student assessment.
Embracing AI for Dynamic Educational Futures
GCU faculty and leadership are enthusiastic about AI's potential to transform education. Tyler Kozimor, COE senior academic program specialist, underscores the value of 'authentic situations with authentic feedback' as the best training for students, paving the way for a truly dynamic education. COE Dean Dr. Meredith Critchfield commends the collaborative spirit between college faculty and Academic Web Services, which enables rapid innovation and the embrace of AI rather than fearing it, bringing significant educational ideas to life swiftly.
