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Unpacking the Help-Seeking Process: ChatGPT vs. Human Experts
With AI tools like ChatGPT popping up, things are changing in education. Students who used to depend on teachers and professors are now getting help from AI.
A recent study titled “Unpacking help-seeking process through multimodal learning analytics: A comparative study of ChatGPT vs Human expert” (Unpacking help-seeking process through multimodal learning analytics: A comparative study of ChatGPT vs Human expert – ScienceDirect) explored how learners interact with AI and human experts when seeking help. The study involved 38 university students divided into two groups: one seeking help from ChatGPT and the other from an experienced teacher. The researchers used multimodal data, including trace data, eye-tracking data, and conversational data, to analyze the help-seeking processes.
Here are some of the key findings from the study:
- Non-linear vs. Linear Processes: The study found that learners who asked AI for help didn’t follow the usual step-by-step process and often skipped the evaluation stages. On the other hand, those who turned to human experts for help followed a more straightforward process, which matches up with the traditional theories about how people seek help.
- Types of Questions and Activities: Learners who chatted with ChatGPT usually asked practical questions and looked for specific help. On the other hand, learners who asked human experts for help were more likely to think about their own thinking and assess the feedback they got.
- Social Pressure and Metacognitive Off-loading: Learners were more likely to ask for help when they weren’t feeling social pressure. This was especially true when they were interacting with AI, since they felt more comfortable asking questions without worrying about being judged.
- Scaffolding and Support: The research highlighted that we need scaffolding to learn better with AI. With effective scaffolding, learners can find help faster and improve their metacognitive skills.
AI is great for answering FAQs quickly, which means less waiting around. But for tricky or sensitive issues, you need a human touch – someone who can really understand and empathize.