Revolutionising Course Tutoring with AI in Digital Learning

Thanks to digital education, learning is no longer confined to classrooms and textbooks. Learners now have access to a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips. However, the shift to digital learning brings challenges when it comes to course tutoring. Providing personalised, effective and consistent guidance to dispersed learners can be difficult. That's where artificial intelligence is a game-changer. AI-driven platforms can ensure learners receive personalised instruction support and feedback that even in-person tutors find challenging.  

Our latest article in the series exploring the transformational impact of AI on digital learning focuses on course tutoring. We discuss how AI-enhanced tutoring is revolutionising digital learning and the potential drawbacks. We also share some recommended AI tools that can take digital tutoring to new heights.  

Let's get started with a definition of course tutoring in digital education.  

According to research from KPMG, digital learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry. It's grown by a whopping 900% since 2000. And as the sector has grown, so too has the critical importance of course tutoring. So, what exactly is online tutoring?  

Course tutoring in digital education is all about providing personalised support to learners. It tailors the learning experience to the individual's needs. eLearning materials are reinforced, questions are answered, and feedback is provided. Course tutors guide learners through the program for improved outcomes.  

Digital tutoring differs from traditional in-person instruction in several significant ways. Students learn at varying paces. Some will grasp concepts quickly, while others require extra support. In the classroom, instructors don't always have the time to address individual needs comprehensively.  

By contrast, online tutoring tailors teaching methods to suit the individual. Specific challenges can be addressed, and additional explanations are provided. Delivering the same personalised attention in a room full of diverse learners is not so easy for classroom educators.  

Furthermore, the shift in dynamics in the digital age has added additional complexities. Today's digital learners can log on anytime and from any location. Unlike traditional settings, digital tutoring is not bound by physical locations and specific hours. Instead, learners can access the support they need when they need it.  

Digital platforms have emerged to connect learners with tutors worldwide in recent years. These have helped to break geographical barriers and mean learners can access high-quality resources and tutors from around the globe. Some examples are online tutoring sessions, pre-recorded video tutorials, discussion boards, and real-time chat. 

Thanks to digital platforms, asynchronous learning has also gained traction. Learners can access support and tutoring through emails, discussion forums, quizzes or peer-graded assignments. Asynchronous learning allows students to work at a pace suited to their schedule. And it also means they can receive personalised support from tutors virtually without having to schedule face-to-face appointments.  

Contemporary digital tutoring acknowledges that each learner’s journey is different. And so the emphasis is on adaptability, flexibility and personalisation.  

Despite the advantages of current methods, there are still challenges. Let's break these down.  

• Scalability: Options to scale up are often limited. One tutor can only support a limited number of learners at a time.  

• Consistency: Learning experiences can vary depending on tutor quality and consistency. Individual tutors will have varied approaches. Therefore, maintaining consistency is an ongoing issue.   

• Accessibility: Accessibility in digital tutoring continues to be a concern. Some learners face barriers such as time zone differences and language issues.  

• Feedback loop: In some digital platforms, providing real-time feedback can be an issue. Often, there's a delay. And this impacts the learning experience, and achieving the learning objectives is more difficult.  

Step up AI-enhanced tutoring. AI has emerged as a transformative solution to the challenges in current methods. Let's explore how AI can add value to the process:  

• 24/7 availability: Unlike people, AI-driven tutoring systems are available around the clock. They are ready and waiting to address learners’ issues and answer questions at a time that suits the student.  

• Personalisation: AI algorithms can analyse vast amounts of data about learners, including preferences, needs and performance. This means AI tutoring can offer individualised instruction and personalised guidance. For example, an AI tutoring system can break down a complex task with deconstructed examples perfectly matched to the learner's needs.  

• Instant feedback: As we've seen, one of the main drawbacks of current methods is the feedback loop. And AI-enhanced tutoring is a real game-changer. It offers instant feedback mechanisms and real-time solutions to enhance the learning experience. It can also make suggestions based on its analysis of learners’ queries.  

• Scalability in tutoring: One AI system can cater to countless students simultaneously. They are not constrained by time and capacity in the way that people are.   

• Interactive learning: AI platforms add value by creating engaging, interactive learning experiences. AI engages learners with more dynamic and enjoyable learning pathways, from flashcards and simulations to interactive quizzes.  

The integration of AI in course tutoring is undoubtedly an exciting development. However, before diving in headfirst, it's essential to consider the following potential drawbacks:  

• Over-reliance: Rely too much on AI, and you risk impacting learners’ critical thinking skills. Students can become reliant on AI platforms to provide all the answers.   

• Data privacy: AI-based tutoring systems collect data about learners, including personal information such as their name, age, and academic performance. This data can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and misuse. Data privacy in tutoring and ethical considerations are critical concerns.  

• Quality control: Maintaining quality is another crucial watchout. Digital tutoring is not foolproof. It can make mistakes or provide incorrect information. And the lack of transparency over how the system reaches conclusions can impact students’ faith in the platforms. Ensuring the accuracy and relevance of AI-enhanced tutoring is an ongoing challenge.  

• Loss of personal touch: Learners can also miss out on human interaction. AI systems lack the emotional and cultural awareness of human tutors. They can’t build a rapport or develop the sense of community and mutual trust that underpins successful learning.  

It's essential to stress that these drawbacks don't necessarily outweigh the benefits of using AI in course tutoring. However, they do highlight the need for careful planning and consideration before implementing AI-based systems.  

Several AI tools have already proven their worth in enhancing online tutoring. Here is our selection of the must-have tools. We have grouped these by different types of platforms.  

• AI-powered tutoring platforms: Our top picks are Carnegie Learning and DreamBox Learning. Both platforms use AI algorithms to develop personalised learning paths, ensuring learners receive tailored support.  

• Chatbots: These platforms provide 24/7 tutoring availability. Chatbots for tutoring are vital in digital learning as they deliver customised assistance to learners, answering their queries and providing support in real-time. Our top choice here is IBM Watson Assistant, which uses advanced natural language processing capabilities. Another excellent option is Google Dialogflow. It provides real-time chat support in multiple languages. And it also integrates with popular messaging platforms. 

• Predictive analysis tools: Predictive analysis in education provides valuable insights into students’ behaviours, learning patterns and performance. Tools like BrightBytes and Knewton analyse learner data and predict areas where individuals might need extra support. They also provide personalised recommendations to improve learner success.  

• Interactive learning modules: Our recommended tool here is Smart Sparrow. You can use this platform to create adaptive and interactive learning modules. The result is a more engaging learning experience that enhances learners’ understanding of the course materials. 

AI is revolutionising course tutoring in digital education, offering solutions to many longstanding challenges. You can leverage AI’s capabilities to deliver personalised, scalable and effective tutoring to students 24/7, regardless of location.  

AI-driven tutoring platforms open up a whole new world of new opportunities. However, it's essential to proceed with caution. While AI enhances learning experiences, it should complement rather than replace human-driven tutoring. Human interaction is still necessary to nurture the critical thinking skills at the heart of education.  

Only by working alongside AI tools can we deliver enriching learning experiences and ensure that every learner receives the support needed to succeed.  

Are you ready to take on the power of AI but don't know how to start? Check out the Digital Learning Institute's Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design. Our industry-leading, university-accredited program includes hands-on practice with all the latest AI tools.