The 24/7 Virtual Teaching Assistant for Asynchronous Online Courses
Our institution caters to a diverse student body, encompassing secondary, undergraduate, and professional learners, both domestically and internationally. We employ varied pedagogical modalities to address the unique needs of our students. Asynchronous online learning, in particular, offers significant flexibility for working professionals navigating demanding schedules. However, this modality can present challenges in providing timely instructor support. To mitigate this, we are exploring the integration of an AI-powered virtual assistant from Google's NotebookLM, to enhance student support outside standard working hours. A virtual assistant trained with course syllabi, frequently asked questions, and instructional materials can provide immediate responses to common student inquiries. A higher level of integration will include audio and video sources. We are deploying this technology in a pilot group and collect usage data prior to broader implementation for the institution.
Speaker/Host
Primary/Host Speaker
Truc Nguyen
Instructional Technologist at UC Riverside
Truc Nguyen has over 14 years of invaluable experience in educational technology. He has two bachelor’s degrees, one in Information Technology and the other in Logistics. He also has an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology. He currently serves as a Classroom Technologist/Instructional Designer at UCR Extension. Truc's passion lies in empowering instructors. He proactively uses emerging technologies to help students and instructors with technical challenges related to online and face-to-face courses. This forward-thinking approach enables him to successfully secure grant funding for some of his projects connected to improving teaching methodologies. Truc views instructors as "Marvel superheroes," and himself as the dedicated "sidekick" who tags along to help them solve problems. This collaborative spirit ensures that instructors always feel supported and confident. Truc’s commitment to making others look good foster an environment where innovation and effective pedagogy flourish.
Co-speaker(s)
Additional Speakers
Ann Kwinn
Director of Instructional Design and Quality Control at UC Riverside
Dr. Ann Kwinn is the Director of Instructional Design and Quality Control for UC Riverside Extension, overseeing the online learning function, pedagogy, instructor support and special projects such as promoting the use of AI in education. Prior to joining UCR, she was a faculty member and Director of Instructional Strategy for Azusa Pacific University. Ann is the co-author, with Ruth Clark, of the Pfeiffer book, The New Virtual Classroom, and has written numerous articles. She has developed and taught many courses for corporate and higher education settings and has spoken at many conferences. Ann holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from the University of Southern California, was a research fellow at the Educational Testing Service and is on an advisory board for UC Irvine, Extension.
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