Enhancing statistics support with artificial intelligence

Derrick, Ben; Weir, Iain

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is revolutionising traditional methods of teaching and learning. The University of the West of England, Bristol, has developed a generative AI policy that encourages AI literacy, personal learning and creativity. In accordance with this policy, we demonstrate use of AI within an established help drop-in service at the university. Data analysis advice from statisticians is provided to students via a newly formed 'Stats Clinic' which aims to act as a triage service within the institution's existing 'espressoMaths' service, open to all. With appropriate student preliminary engagement, including the use of AI, the productivity and value of student-academic discussions can be greatly increased. Detail is given of how students can use artificial intelligence to get the most out of pre-visit engagement and therefore ultimately their visit with a statistics professional. Examples where students have applied varying levels of engagement with pre-visit recommended actions are discussed, with empirical evidence from the sessions indicating that those embracing AI are more aware of their data analysis and can comprehend advice more readily.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 14, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1473-4869
• Electronic ISSN: 2051-4220
• Publisher: sigma network
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: drop-by station; statistical test selection; ChatGPT; generative AI
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13286202
• Publisher URL: https://journals.gre.ac.uk/index.php/msor/index