San Diego researchers have developed an AI tutor system tailored to support students across multiple institutions, funded by a $1.5 million grant from California’s AI Grand Challenge program. The project aims to deploy this tool in eight foundational courses, focusing on computer science and biology, while assessing its impact on learning outcomes and student experiences. Unlike commercial tools, the tutor is customized to each instructor’s methods, providing guidance rather than just answers. Additionally, the initiative includes developing AI literacy programs for students and faculty, set to launch in 2026. The AI tutor will be implemented across eight foundational courses, including Python programming at UC San Diego and introductory biology at SDSU. Researchers are developing a comprehensive assessment plan to evaluate the effectiveness of this AI tutor, ensuring it meets educational goals and benefits diverse student populations.
In addition to the grant, UC San Diego is contributing an extra $500,000 to support the project. This funding will also facilitate the creation of an AI literacy course, initially offered at Palomar College for faculty members, aimed at enhancing understanding of AI’s role in education.
The collaborative project, supported by a $1.5 million grant under California’s AI Grand Challenge, involves UC San Diego, SDSU, and Palomar College. Its primary objective is to develop an AI tutor that provides continuous student support while aligning with individual instructors’ teaching methodologies. This tool aims to identify students needing additional academic assistance effectively.
The AI tutor will be integrated into eight foundational computer science and biology courses. At UC San Diego, it will assist in Python programming instruction, while at SDSU, it will support introductory biology education. Researchers are creating a detailed assessment plan to evaluate the AI tutor’s effectiveness, ensuring it meets educational objectives and benefits diverse student groups.
In addition to the grant funding, UC San Diego is contributing an additional $500,000 to support project activities. This funding also enables the development of an AI literacy course, initially offered at Palomar College for faculty members. The course is designed to enhance understanding of AI’s role in education and its practical applications in teaching environments.
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