The team analyzed a botteacher named Botty that operated on Twitter by searching for and responding to a course-specific hashtag and keywords. A reason such as a bot’s ability to be “friendly and tireless” may do nicely. As the report conveniently points out, “It is always on, always there, and always ready.” Bots are also almost certain to be less expensive than actual teachers too. Since those who run online education programs already turn to less expensive, less experienced teachers, a bot that can do part of a teacher’s job is likely to be an enticing alternative to having any teacher whatsoever. Even so, that Botty was made, used and favorably assessed, should make clear that fears of teachers being replaced by technology are no longer hyperventilated hyperbole.

Source: Forbes August 19, 2018 23:26 UTC