STEMGuyana has launched an artificial intelligence (AI) tutor designed for students in Grades one through 10 across Guyana.
STEMGuyana is a leading organization dedicated to advancing STEM education across Guyana, particularly in underserved communities. This is done through partnerships with organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)Lab and the deployment of innovative technology solutions.
This AI tutor, integrated into the IDBLab’s sponsored software, and is a significant upgrade to the Learning Pod after-school tutoring programme, was initially developed to address educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AI tutor is aligned with the Ministry of Education’s curriculum for K-12th grade learners, ensuring it meets the educational standards and requirements of Guyanese schools. Key features include reading lessons aloud, incorporating tutorial videos, and providing real-time feedback to student questions.
Additionally, the AI tutor boasts an embedded quiz-correction feature, which not only marks quizzes but also offers detailed explanations and corrections at a grade-appropriate level. This aims to facilitate a deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Karen Abrams, Director of STEMGuyana, highlighted the transformative potential of the AI tutor noting, “Our goal is to scale high-quality tutoring identified across all of our programs for children and parents, many of whom are struggling with literacy challenges.
“This AI tutor is a technological advancement and a source of hope. It aims to extend the capabilities of excellent teachers by providing consistent, high-quality educational support, enabling students to learn at their own pace, anytime, anywhere.”
Before its official rollout, the AI tutor will undergo rigorous pilot testing with six groups of learners. This phase is essential for assessing its impact on student engagement and academic outcomes, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of Guyanese learners. The organization was keen to note that the effectiveness of the Learning Pod AI tutoring assistant is also the focus of a dissertation by the University of Florida, indicating the academic and practical significance of this innovation.
Upon successful completion of the testing phase, scheduled for the summer of 2024, STEMGuyana plans to make the AI tutor available across all Learning Pods and STEM clubs nationwide. This rollout aims to ensure that every student, regardless of geographical location, has access to this cutting-edge educational tool. According to Abrams, “It will be like any student, anywhere having access to a highly trained, top-quality personal teacher. It is truly a groundbreaking development.”
