Simon Fraser University Introduces AI Teaching Assistant Kia

A new era in classroom technology is unfolding at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Burnaby, B.C. An innovative 3-D artificial intelligence persona named Kia will serve as a teaching assistant in professor Steve DiPaola‘s first-year course focusing on the history and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). This unprecedented initiative is set to enhance the learning experience for students with no prior exposure to AI.

Kia, who has no previous classroom experience or academic credentials, is designed to facilitate discussions and provide insights during the course. In a recent online introduction, Kia, who communicates with a British accent, stated, “I’ll be here to provide answers, insights, and to facilitate lively discussion whenever questions arise.”

DiPaola, a computer scientist and AI expert, emphasizes that Kia is not intended to replace the human teaching assistant but rather to act as a collaborative tool. “What I’m going to do on the stage for the first time is have an AI collaborator,” he explained. “So anytime there’s a question about what an AI would think, we can simply turn to Kia and ask her, or even debate her.”

This initiative aims to help students understand the complexities of AI by anthropomorphizing the technology. DiPaola believes that incorporating Kia into the classroom will engage students in meaningful discussions about the ethical implications of AI. “What better way to talk about AI ethics than to bring AI into the classroom to teach alongside me?” he said. “Performatively, I think it engages students about the real issues.”

Kia’s introduction is being hailed as a “world first” by SFU, capturing the attention of educators and computer scientists alike. Alan Mackworth, professor emeritus in computer science at the University of British Columbia, expressed mixed feelings about the potential risks of anthropomorphizing AI. He noted, “A lot of people are afraid and opposed to anthropomorphizing AI. So they would say this is kind of a slippery slope.” Mackworth also acknowledged that Kia will likely make humorous mistakes, adding a layer of unpredictability to the learning experience.

The arrival of AI teaching assistants like Kia raises important ethical considerations. Sarah Eaton, an education professor at the University of Calgary, pointed out that while the use of AI in educational settings could lead to cost savings, it may also raise concerns about the exploitation of academic labor. Nonetheless, she views Kia’s role as indicative of future trends in education. “This is teaching for the future, but doing it today,” Eaton remarked. “In the future, we will probably see a lot more AI sidekicks or assistants working alongside human educators to help support pedagogy, good learning, and also personalized approaches for students with diverse learning needs.”

Kia will make her official classroom debut on September 3, 2023, marking a significant moment in the integration of AI within educational environments. As the academic community watches closely, the implications of this innovative approach to teaching may shape the future of how technology and education intersect.