Vista Higher Learning currently utilizes generative AI on vhlcentral.com. We use
an enterprise version of Open AI. We do not pass user data or PII to the model under any
circumstance, nor do we train the model with user input or data of any kind. Rather, we
utilize prompt engineering to both improve the service and guardrail the responses. Vista
Higher Learning is a member of the Edsafe AI Alliance and follows the practices
recommended by the organization https://www.edsafeai.org/about, which is a coalition of organizations focused on fostering the safe and equitable use of AI in education.
AI functionality live or piloting in Vista Higher Learning program courses on vhlcentral.com:
AI-Assisted Feedback (live) – Instructors can assign course activities that require students to write a short, open-ended response. We added an AI-Assist feedback feature for instructors that generates comments (feedback) designed to improve the student submission. The AI-generated comments are returned to the instructor, who can choose to delete, edit, or pass along the comment to the student. The instructor acts as "the human in the loop" for this feature. Instructors may also choose to turn off the AI-Assisted Feedback functionality and comment on submissions manually.
Speech Recognition (live) – The vhlcentral platform employs a speech recognition evaluation engine in select programs and practice activities that can be assigned by the instructor for students to practice speaking in the target language. In these activities, students are given a word or phrase in their native language and asked to repeat the word or phrase aloud in the target language. The speech recognition engine uses generative AI to evaluate student responses and provides "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" feedback based on the quality of their response. These activities are for practice only and are not graded. The instructor can choose to not utilize these activities if they so desire.
AI Virtual Chat (piloting) – This is a practice communication activity that can be assigned by an instructor. The activity consists of a scenario in which students have a conversation with an virtual partner (aka AI BOT) to accomplish a simple task such as “agree on a time and day over the weekend for a study session.” The student interacts with the virtual partner (aka AI BOT) in the language they are learning, usually in five or fewer conversation exchanges. If the student misuses the target language grammar or vocabulary, or responds in their native language, the AI BOT will provide suggestions and encouragement to get them back on track. If an instructor wishes to assign these practice activities without utilizing AI, the activities can be assigned as (standard, non-AI) Partner Chats, wherein the student completes the activity with a classmate rather than the AI BOT.