Exploring the Role of AI-Powered Chatbots in Developing e-Learning Skills from The Trainers’ Perspective
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of AI-powered chatbots in enhancing remote e-learning skills. A qualitative approach was adopted, with a focus on the phenomenological approach, by conducting semi-structured interviews with 18 trainers. The results showed that trainers had positive perceptions of activating AI-powered chatbots in developing remote e-learning skills, as they considered the training process easier, safer, and more convenient. These robots also proved effective in enhancing trainees’ skills, providing flexibility in learning and training, allowing trainees to interact with the robot at any time that suits them, without being bound by specific schedules, in addition to providing customized content. The study also revealed trainers’ opinions on the differences between using chatbots in training and traditional methods in terms of engagement and motivation. Participants agreed that programming skills, such as learning programming languages and scientific research skills, are less effective for chatbots than human training. Some participants also identified aspects in which chatbots can contribute less effectively than human training, such as emotional and social skills, creativity, solving unfamiliar problems, building professional or personal relationships, adapting to sudden changes during training sessions, inspiration and emotional stimulation, and practical assessment of feelings and behaviors. The study also revealed the factors that influence trainers’ acceptance or rejection of chatbots in remote e-training, the most prominent of which are: the user’s previous experience with robots, adaptation to individual needs, personal culture and beliefs, the user’s confidence in the technology, the quality of interaction with the robot, the human nature of the interaction, the effectiveness of cooperation between the robot and the human trainer, in addition to personal and emotional skills. Potential challenges associated with the use of chatbots in training also emerged through trainers’ experiences, which include weak emotional interaction, limited creativity, difficulty adapting to unique situations, technical problems, some trainees’ rejection of the technology, and limitations in practical training. On the other hand, there are potential opportunities such as availability and time flexibility. The study reached a number of recommendations, most notably developing a hybrid approach that combines automated chatbots and a human trainer with remote e-training, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis to determine the feasibility of implementing automated chatbots.
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