Human-Centered AI Learning Assistant Tool
Author(s)
Sari, Esin
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Abstract
Generative AI tools are increasingly used by students for academic assistance, yet most deliver complete answers on demand with no requirement for prior effort or reflection. This design prioritizes convenience over cognitive engagement, potentially undermining the productive struggle that durable learning requires. This paper focuses on the Human-Centered AI Learning Assistant project which is a lightweight web-application prototype designed to preserve cognitive effort through structured, staged AI guidance. Rather than delivering full solutions immediately, the system gates assistance behind required reflections and minimum effort thresholds, progressing through strategy cues, partial hints, and delayed full answers. Transparency features including AI disclaimers, a collapsible information panel, and alternative explanation generation are embedded throughout to reduce authority bias and preserve learner autonomy. The system operationalizes principles from cognitive load theory, interruption research, and UNESCO guidance on ethical AI in education.
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Date
2026
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Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
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Project Report
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