Conversational Support for Education

Damla Ezgi Akcora, Andrea Belli, Marina Berardi, Stella Casola, Nicoletta Di Blas, Stefano Falletta, Alessandro Faraotti, Luca Lodi, Daniela Nossa Diaz, Paolo Paolini, Fabrizio Renzi, Filippo Vannella

Abstract: This paper describes the development of chatbots that can help learners make the most appropriate use of a large body of content. The purpose of a COntent-based Learning Assistant, COLA, is to suggest optimal educational paths, along with a persuasive and empathic coaching. COLAs are supported by a novel technology, iCHAT, based on the cognitive engine Watson (by IBM).