CHATBOT TUTORING SYSTEM FOR VET

<< Background >>The solutions on the market relied primarily on coded content, embedded videos and paid manual support to enhance the classroom experience. These solutions created an untapped gap and offered the industry a great opportunity for development and innovation. Even though the quality of educational content was excellent, it could not replace the face-to-face validation that is critical for students. Mobile online education at that time was only a supplement and not a substitute for face-to-face education. To fill this gap, the partners launched this project, which aimed to develop and test an innovative digital methodology for vocational education and training by combining chatbot technology with a modular learning pathway.<< Objectives >>CHATBOT4VET project revolutionised VET by integrating chatbot technology. We developed more than 10 chatbots that were populated with VET-focused content, supported by a comprehensive design guide and training module. This improved learning for more than 1,000 learners in Turkey, Greece, Spain, France and Belgium and increased engagement and satisfaction by 25%. More than 50 VET trainers improved their digital skills and reported a 30% improvement in the integration of digital tools in the classroom. The chatbots and resources were implemented in over 20 VET institutions, with pilot tests conducted with 100 participants in five countries to ensure effectiveness. The sustainability of the project was ensured by translating the resources into five languages, enabling wider application. Extensive dissemination activities included regular updates on the Erasmus+ platform and the engagement of over 200 stakeholders through multiplier events. AKETH's social media strategy resulted in over 10,000 posts, significantly increasing the reach of the project. This project not only achieved but exceeded its objectives and left a lasting impact on VET across Europe.<< Implementation >>In order to achieve the project objectives, several key activities were carried out by the partnership. Firstly, two key deliverables were developed. The partnership produced a comprehensive chatbot guide containing 10 activities to support educators across the EU in the creation and use of chatbots for vocational education and training (VET). This guide is the result of extensive research on the use of new cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning and chatbots and includes best practices from across the industry. In addition, each partner developed individual chatbots tailored to their specific needs, all of which were made accessible via the CHATBOT platform.The project also organized five transnational meetings with different objectives, which took place in Turkey, Greece, France, Spain and Belgium. These meetings were central to facilitating collaboration and ensuring that all partners were pulling in the same direction and working towards common goals. They provided an opportunity for partners to share insights, address challenges and refine their approaches to implementing chatbot technology.To further improve practical training and knowledge sharing, an LTT (Learning, Teaching, Training) activity was held in France. Three participants from each partner organization took part in this event to improve their skills and share experiences within their organizations. The LTT activity helped to deepen the understanding of chatbot technology and its applications and provided participants with the necessary skills to maximize the potential of the technology in their educational environment.Dissemination and utilization of the project results were critical components of the project. Each partner actively disseminated and utilized the project results in their respective countries through various channels. To support these efforts, the partners designed and developed the project publicity design, produced six newsletters and created a project website available in five different languages. They also compiled dissemination portfolios containing all dissemination activities carried out during the project period. In addition, each partner (with the exception of France) organized four multiplier events for further dissemination and exploitation of the project results to ensure a wide reach and impact in the participating countries.Through these comprehensive activities, the partnership not only achieved the project objectives, but also fostered a culture of innovation and cross-border cooperation. The joint efforts of Rize Valiligi and RTE University (Turkey), AKETH (Greece), IFESCOOP (Spain), LOGOPSYCOM (Belgium) and EDULOG (France) ensured the successful implementation and wide dissemination of the project results.<< Results >>In the short term, the project has significantly improved learning for different groups of students. The chatbot enabled more than 1,000 students to ask questions confidentially, revisit the course multiple times and receive course recommendations tailored to their learning pace. It provided a reliable resource for inquisitive students and improved engagement through customization, resulting in a 25% increase in student participation. In addition, the chatbot acted as a personal advisor for more than 500 students, supporting them in their professional development and efficient course planning. The project also focused on collecting feedback and gathered insights from over 1,000 interactions. This feedback was used to refine students' profiles and provide them with personalized advice.The long-term results of the project demonstrate a holistic approach to learning. The chatbot responded to students' interactive needs by providing immediate help and recommending expert advice when needed. It enabled over 200 instructors to facilitate learning on their own by transforming traditional lectures into interactive sessions. Learning modes were customized based on feedback from 80% of students, which increased satisfaction and effectiveness. In addition, sustained engagement and feedback mechanisms were implemented that leveraged instant messaging and social media habits to keep learners engaged, resulting in a 30% improvement in retention rates. The chatbot provided instant, learner-centered feedback, explaining mistakes and recommending further courses based on performance. This approach ensured that all learners could progress at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed or left behind and resulted in a 20% increase in learner confidence and performance.