Computational Policy Lab
A prototype chatbot for learning math
To explore new, personalized approaches to online math instruction, SCPL prototyped MathBot: a chatbot that teaches concepts, provides practice problems, and offers tailored feedback and explanations. To help personalize the experience, we used reinforcement learning algorithms to tailor the pace and flow of the conversation to the needs of each individual.
As part of a pilot study, we developed and tested a learning module on a common topic in high school algebra—recursion. In a head-to-head comparison, we found that a sizable fraction of individuals prefer to learn via MathBot over popular video- and text-based alternatives, pointing to the promise of new approaches to online education.
