Chatbots in Education: Addressing Student Needs and Transforming Learning in the Post-COVID-19 Era

This chapter explores the transformative potential of integrating conversational AI agents, particularly chatbots, into the educational landscape. Drawing on the insights from the EDUChat project, the findings reveal a notable surge in student expectations following the return to face-to-face teaching. The data reflects an increased desire for personalised and instantaneous support, indicating a paradigmatic evolution in educational requirements. Due to the global shift to online education in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this chapter recognises identified disparities in digital access and infrastructure, emphasising the vital role of communication, student engagement, and innovative teaching methodologies. It highlights the need for interventions like improved infrastructure and expanded online resources to reshape post-pandemic educational systems, underscoring the importance of equitable resource distribution and proactive strategies.