Communications of the ACM
Ferris Makes AIs, Enrolls Them As Students in University Experiment
Much of the Ferris State project is a learn-as-you-go experiment.
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Ferris State University has created two AIs and is enrolling them in courses. The project is a mix of researching artificial intelligence and online classrooms while getting a peek into a typical student's experience.
Ferris State is one of the few universities in the U.S. with an undergraduate degree program in artificial intelligence, and has been looking for more ways to use and research the technology.
The AI "students," dubbed Ann and Fry, will be enrolled in a general education course this semester, said Kasey Thompson, Ferris State's special assistant to the president for innovation and entrepreneurship. The students will start by listening to the class online, with the hope of eventually bringing them to "life" as classroom robots that can speak with other students.
The AIs will get grades, homework, and will participate in class discussion. The goal is to have Ann and Fry complete their Ph.D.s and potentially work as teaching assistants or tutors in the future.
From Inside Higher Ed
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