The use of artificial intelligence avatars has emerged as one of the latest trends in the way AI is changing education. The Cognitive Science-Based Learning Hub program at the University — which teaches study strategies to first-year students — began using AI avatars as online teachers beginning in the Fall 2025 semester. As these various AI tools and models gain traction, the question remains — what role do AI avatars play in the future of education?
The avatars being used by the Learning Hub program are developed by Alpha Education, and are an AI-driven, adaptive learning technology that enables students to complete an entire day’s worth of learning in only two hours. While these avatars are new to the University, they are not new to higher-education in America. Other institutions that have already implemented avatars include Morehouse College and Columbia University.
The Learning Hub program is a peer-mentoring course in which upperclassmen Cognitive Science students teach study methods to first-year students, with a focus on note-taking skills and refining exam preparation practices. Mariana Teles, Learning Hub director and psychology professor, said that first-year College students can enroll for the course via an email they all receive at the beginning of the Fall semester…