Teenage physics students in Finland have provided positive feedback on the innovative AI teaching agent, MAI, developed by the University of Oulu. This metacognitive AI agent differs significantly from conventional AI applications, as it does not provide direct answers to students but instead supports their independent problem-solving skills.
Students aged 12 and 13 from Ritaharju Upper Secondary School experienced MAI's capabilities firsthand when it assisted them during their physics lessons for one month alongside their teacher. According to the students, "It doesn't give the answer but helps [us] to understand the question. This way of learning also helped to memorize the learned things well." The feedback highlights how MAI encourages students to think critically and enhances their ability to recall information.
MAI was developed as part of the Hybrid Intelligence research program at the University of Oulu, which aims to integrate machine learning with human sciences. This initiative marks the first time AI explicitly aimed at strengthening learning skills has been incorporated within classroom environments, potentially transforming educational practices.
Joni Lämsä, a researcher at the university, explained the role of MAI: "The AI helps students recognize the challenges in their current work. This helps students figure out how to proceed." This contrasts with traditional AI, often criticized for making learners reliant on readily available answers, which can diminish their problem-solving capabilities.
Finland is renowned for its high-ranking education system, and the introduction of AI tools like MAI signifies the start of what could be a revolutionary phase for educational methodologies. The Multidisciplinary Hybrid Intelligence program continues Finland’s legacy of educational excellence, leveraging advanced technology to support learning outcomes.
The University of Oulu boasts strong expertise in machine learning and computer vision and collaborates with various high-level technology companies, making it well-equipped to explore how AI can facilitate education effectively. Sanna Järvelä, Professor of Education and leader of the Hybrid Intelligence program, elaborates on this vision: "Hybrid Intelligence combines human strengths with AI and develops intelligent systems to improve human intelligence rather than replace it. This ensures AI does not make the learner lazy, aiming instead for equal cooperation between humans and machines so the unique qualities of human intelligence can flourish."
The pilot project involving MAI has already begun to yield encouraging results. Students noted their ability to receive personalized support when needed: "If someone is falling behind in group work, MAI points it out. This way, we notice it and discuss the matter more with everyone in the group," said some participants, elaborately discussing how the AI enhances their engagement during lessons.
The physics teacher at Ritaharju School observed the students’ growing acceptance of the AI agent, commenting on how they quickly adapted after their initial surprise. “The AI paces and guides the students' work even when I don't have time,” he added, emphasizing the valuable role MAI plays during fast-paced classroom sessions.
Students also expressed their appreciation for MAI's unique prompting feature: “MAI gives you the opportunity to think about how to improve your work.” This feedback echoes the goals of the hybrid intelligence approach aimed at empowering students’ abilities rather than creating dependency on technology.
This pilot project has set the stage for future research on MAI and its potential to redefine learning landscapes. With the world increasingly leaning toward technology integration, educating students with AI tools like MAI may represent significant leaps toward enhancing educational experiences globally.
The effective collaboration between students, educators, and AI agents like MAI indicates a future where education is not solely about imparting knowledge but about fostering independent thinking and metacognitive skills through innovative technology.