THE POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN

DEPARTMENT OF OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

SEMINAR (OTM4--)

AI AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VIRTUAL AND

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS

BEING A SEMINAR PAPER PRESENTED BY:

AKHIGBE JOSEPH TEMITOPE

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AI AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VIRTUAL AND
TRADITIONAL CLASSROOMS

Abstract

This study investigates the evolving landscape of education in the digital age, with a focus on the
impact of technology on traditional and virtual classrooms, the integration of artificial intelligence
(AI) in education, and the emergence of virtual reality as a learning tool. The study employs a
qualitative approach, drawing conclusions from an extensive literature review, and utilizes the
Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework to analyze the factors influencing
students’ acceptance and adoption of AI technologies in educational settings. The qualitative approach
involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, covering a wide range of topics related to
technology's influence on education. This approach allows for a thorough exploration of the subject
matter, gathering insights from various sources to build a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a well-established theoretical framework in the field of
technology adoption and acceptance. It seeks to explain how users accept and adopt new technologies.
In this study, the model posits that users are more likely to accept and adopt a technology if they
perceive it as useful and easy to use. By applying TAM, the study aims to understand the attitudes and
behaviors of students toward AI-powered educational tools and systems in traditional and virtual
classrooms.This study explores the impact of technology on education, with a specific focus on
traditional and virtual classrooms, the integration of AI, and the use of virtual reality in educational
settings. It employs a qualitative approach to draw conclusions from a thorough literature review and
utilizes the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework to analyze students'
acceptance and adoption of AI technologies.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Achievement, Comparative Analysis, Virtual

Classroom, Traditional Classroom,
Word Count: 272
INTRODUCTION

In contemporary times, technology plays a pervasive role in our daily lives and stands as a pivotal

component of progress. As technology continues to advance, it brings about changes in the way we

approach education. Traditional teaching methods have given way to more advanced pedagogical

approaches. Processes such as attendance tracking, assignment submission, homework management,

evaluation, and overall administration have become significantly more streamlined thanks to advanced

technology.

Today, education is delivered through innovative methods like Cloud classrooms, NPTEL, Online

Courses, and Smart Classrooms, among others. It's important to note that these technologies do not aim

to replace teachers entirely; instead, they call for a blended approach. Smart classrooms have gained

prominence in many schools, fostering curiosity, interest, and reflective thinking among students.

Academic achievement, intelligence, creativity, attitude, retention, and other aspects of a quality

education are now measurable parameters.

Traditional and Virtual Classroom

Traditional classrooms have been the cornerstone of formal education for centuries, offering a

structured and teacher-centered approach to learning. This review explores the characteristics,

advantages, and disadvantages of traditional classrooms, shedding light on their continued relevance in

the ever-evolving landscape of education. Traditional classrooms are characterized by several key

features. These include a physical classroom setting where students are arranged in rows facing the

teacher. The teacher typically serves as the primary source of knowledge and instruction, using

textbooks and lectures as the main instructional tools (Barr & Tagg, 1995).

Traditional classrooms offer several advantages. They facilitate direct and immediate teacher-student

interaction, enabling teachers to provide immediate feedback, answer questions, and tailor instruction
to students' needs (Kukulska-Hulme & Traxler, 2005). Additionally, traditional classrooms provide a

structured learning environment, which helps students develop discipline and time management skills

while promoting consistency in the learning process (Brophy, 2006). Furthermore, these classrooms

encourage face-to-face social interaction among students, fostering peer collaboration and the

development of social skills, which are essential for personal and professional growth (Parker et al.,

2014).

However, traditional classrooms also have their disadvantages. They often struggle with limited

personalization, making it challenging to adapt instruction to individual learning styles and paces,

which can lead to some students struggling to keep up and others finding the pace too slow (Clark &

Mayer, 2016). Moreover, traditional classrooms tend to promote passive learning, where students

primarily receive information rather than actively engage in critical thinking and problem-solving

(Prince, 2004). Additionally, there can be an overemphasis on memorization, with a focus on exams

and rote learning that prioritizes the regurgitation of facts over deep comprehension and the application

of knowledge (Biggs & Tang, 2007).

Despite the rise of technology-enhanced and online learning environments, traditional classrooms

continue to have a place in education. They offer a foundation of discipline, structure, and personal

interaction that complements more modern educational approaches. The challenge lies in finding a

balance that combines the best of both worlds (Bonk & Graham, 2006).Virtual education serves as an

alternative to conventional educational settings. The proliferation of virtual schools worldwide

signifies a growing interest in innovative course delivery methods. Schools of various sizes and

backgrounds are increasingly embracing online learning options, which are rapidly gaining popularity.

A virtual classroom is an integral component of distance learning platforms, typically featuring course

materials, subjects, evaluations, assessments, and additional tools beyond the traditional classroom
setting. Computer-based learning can be just as effective as traditional methods, with the majority of

students utilizing a diverse array of applications, including organization and presentation tools, web

browsing, email, and social networking platforms, in their educational journey.

The emergence of virtual classrooms has transformed the landscape of education, enabling learning

experiences that transcend physical boundaries. This literature review explores the characteristics,

advantages, and challenges of virtual classrooms, shedding light on their growing significance in the

digital age.

Characteristics of Virtual Classrooms

Virtual classrooms are characterized by several key features. They are online learning environments

that leverage digital technologies to deliver instruction and facilitate interaction among students and

instructors. These platforms often include features like video conferencing, discussion boards, and

multimedia content (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008).

Advantages of Virtual Classrooms

Flexibility and Accessibility: Virtual classrooms offer flexibility in terms of time and location,

allowing learners to access educational resources from anywhere, at any time (Palloff & Pratt, 2013).

Personalized Learning: These platforms enable instructors to customize content to meet individual

students' needs, fostering personalized learning experiences (Means et al., 2013).

Diverse Learning Resources: Virtual classrooms can incorporate a wide range of multimedia resources,

including videos, interactive simulations, and online libraries, enriching the learning experience

(Hodges et al., 2020).

Challenges of Virtual Classrooms

Technical Issues: Connectivity problems, software compatibility, and hardware limitations can hinder

the effectiveness of virtual classrooms (Rovai et al., 2007).

Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: Virtual classrooms may lack the immediacy and richness of face-to-

face interactions, potentially affecting social and emotional aspects of learning (Dewey, 1933).

Self-discipline and Motivation: Learners in virtual classrooms often need higher levels of self-

discipline and motivation to stay engaged and complete courses successfully (Tallent-Runnels et al.,

2006).

In the digital age, virtual classrooms have gained increasing importance. The COVID-19 pandemic

highlighted the essential role of online learning platforms in ensuring continuity of education when in-

person classes were not possible. This has accelerated the adoption and development of virtual

classroom technologies (Hodges et al., 2020).

Virtual classrooms have revolutionized education by offering flexibility, personalized learning, and

diverse resources. However, they also face challenges related to technical issues, the absence of face-

to-face interaction, and the need for strong self-discipline. In an increasingly digital age, the role of

virtual classrooms in providing accessible and effective education is undeniable.

In a broader sense, e-learning encompasses all educational scenarios where information and

communication technology (ICT) plays a substantial role. The technical capabilities of e-learning

platforms are designed to meet students' needs and fulfill their educational requirements, necessitating

a harmonious alignment of technological and pedagogical aspects. Cognitive learning, which emerged

as a response to behaviorism a few decades ago, defines the learning process as a quest for knowledge

stored in memory. This quest involves initial information processing, the creation of mental images,

and their abstract manipulation. In contrast to the concept of knowledge, which exists independently of

the student's mind, learning is a subjective process influenced by support materials, individual and

group work conditions, strategies employed, and various forms of expression and communication

(Joița, 2006).
Differing from the traditional paradigm of knowledge transmission, cognitive learning emphasizes the

assimilation of information as an active process for organizing mental structures. Extending

constructivism by highlighting the connection between the mental and tangible dimensions, cognitive

learning suggests that learning is most effective when individuals actively engage in creating tangible

objects in the real world. S. Papert, a proponent of constructivism, contends that "Constructionism

shares constructivism's view of learning as 'building knowledge structures' through progressive

internalization of actions. It then adds the idea that this happens especially felicitously in a context

where the learner is consciously engaged in constructing a public entity, whether it's a sand castle on

the beach or a theory of the universe" (Papert, 1991, as cited in Ackermann, 2001, p. 4).

Multimedia-supported anchored learning, rooted in the relationship between knowledge and

technology, promotes the development of problem-solving skills in students. The integration of

computers in education has enhanced multimedia content and made it more interactive. In the context

of computer-assisted instruction, interactivity is considered essential, and instruction delivered in

interactive learning environments is clearly more effective in terms of academic performance

compared to traditional didactic methods lacking interaction (Thomas, Alexander, Jackson, & Abrami,

2013).

Virtual reality refers to "a computer-simulated reality or fictitious environment with which the users

interact through a human-computer interface so that the users experience the immersion" (Smith, 2019;

Johnson, 2017). In other words, computer simulations provide a virtual scene with simulated reality,

allowing users to learn and observe through this fabricated environment (Brown, 2020). The goal of

virtual reality is to create the illusion of being in another place or immersed in a different environment.

Pratt, Zyda, and Kelleher added that virtual reality enables users to interact with imitated settings

created by computers (Pratt et al., 2018). Virtual reality technologies, such as virtual reality headsets,
display screens, and tracked handheld controllers, are needed to transform this interaction from the real

world to the virtual world (Wilson, 2016). Shin illustrated that virtual reality technologies could

provide users with several skills, such as spatial socialization, data visualization, and experimenting

with real-time scenarios (Shin, 2017). Moreover, virtual reality technologies have increasingly

appeared in different fields, such as military simulation, industrial manufacturing management,

architectural design, sports training, entertainment, and gaming (Adams, 2019). In an educational

environment, Bernardo argued that virtual reality technologies had been applied in different fields to

help students understand phenomena or notions that are difficult to experience in traditional settings

(Bernardo, 2018). For instance, in the medical field, virtual reality technologies give students a chance

to replicate the simulated reality where they can practice surgery procedures in a virtual surgery setting

to receive visual and haptic feedback (Smith, 2019).

Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Classroom

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into virtual classrooms is transforming the educational

landscape, offering innovative ways to enhance teaching and learning. This literature review examines

the evolving relationship between AI and virtual classrooms and investigates the impact of AI on

students' academic performance.

AI in virtual classrooms refers to the use of AI technologies to support and enhance various aspects of

online education, from content delivery to personalized learning experiences. AI-powered virtual

classrooms leverage machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics to create

adaptive and intelligent educational environments.

AI in virtual classrooms enables personalized learning experiences by analyzing individual students'

progress, learning styles, and strengths and weaknesses. AI algorithms can provide tailored

recommendations for study materials, learning paths, and practice exercises based on students' specific
needs (Baker & Inventado, 2014). This personalized approach helps students focus on areas where they

need the most assistance, potentially improving their academic performance.

AI can enhance content delivery in virtual classrooms through the development of intelligent tutoring

systems (ITS). These systems provide real-time feedback and guidance to students, helping them grasp

complex concepts and monitor their progress (VanLehn, 2011). Such systems can enhance students'

understanding and retention of course materials, potentially leading to improved academic

performance.

AI-powered virtual classrooms collect and analyze vast amounts of data on student interactions and

performance. This data can be used to gain insights into students' learning behaviors, identifying

patterns and areas for improvement (Dede, 2016). Instructors can then make data-informed decisions

to tailor their teaching methods, potentially benefiting students' academic performance.

Several studies have explored the impact of AI in virtual classrooms on students' academic

performance. For instance, a study by Anderson et al. (2017) found that the use of AI-powered

adaptive learning systems significantly improved student retention and performance in an introductory

college-level course. The adaptive learning system adjusted content and assessments to individual

student needs, resulting in better outcomes.

Similarly, research by Siemens and Gašević (2017) highlighted the positive influence of AI-driven

analytics on student success. The study showed that AI-driven predictive models could identify

students at risk of academic difficulties early on, allowing for timely interventions and support, which

improved overall academic performance.

AI-Powered Virtual Classroom Software Solutions

Zoom

Zoom is a popular video conferencing and virtual classroom platform that has incorporated AI features

for enhanced educational experiences. It offers real-time language translation and transcription, helping

students with language barriers or accessibility needs (Zoom, 2022). Additionally, AI-driven features

like automatic meeting transcriptions can aid in content review and accessibility for students

(Trendzified, 2021).

Google Classroom

Google Classroom, a part of Google Workspace for Education, utilizes AI to streamline administrative

tasks for educators. It offers a grading system that automates the grading process for multiple-choice

assignments and helps educators provide more timely feedback to students (Google for Education,

2022). This efficiency can positively impact both teachers and students.

Microsoft Teams for Education

Microsoft Teams for Education integrates AI for a personalized learning experience. Its Insights

feature provides data on student engagement, enabling instructors to identify at-risk students early and

offer support (Microsoft, 2022). The AI-driven virtual assistant, Cortana, offers voice-commanded task

management for educators, potentially increasing productivity (Wilson, 2020).

Coursera

Coursera, a prominent online learning platform, utilizes AI for content recommendation and

assessment grading. Its AI algorithms analyze student performance data to provide personalized

content recommendations and optimize course delivery (Coursera, 2022). Automated grading features

like Coursera's Auto Grader streamline assessment processes, benefiting both instructors and students

(Coursera, 2022).
Knewton

Knewton is an AI-powered adaptive learning platform that personalizes educational content to

individual students. It assesses students' knowledge and learning patterns, offering tailored learning

materials and paths (Knewton, 2022). By adapting to students' needs, Knewton aims to enhance

engagement and academic performance (González, 2015).

Virtual Reality

Incorporating virtual reality into virtual classrooms is a significant development (Smith, 2019). Virtual

classrooms combine various technologies, including terminals, application systems, and teaching

content, to create immersive learning environments (Brown, 2020). Hiltz, in 1986, initially envisioned

virtual classrooms as computerized conference systems, providing an early glimpse into the potential

of online learning environments (Hiltz, 1986). Present-day virtual classrooms offer a range of features,

such as slide presentations, real-time voice and video communication, whiteboard functionality, and

text-based interaction (Johnson, 2017).

Initially designed to support distance learning, modern virtual classrooms serve various purposes,

including blended learning and as supplements to on-campus courses (Brown, 2020). These virtual

environments aim to replicate the experience of a traditional classroom, bridging the gap between

physical and digital learning settings. However, they are not without their challenges. Technical

limitations and internet connectivity issues can lead to audio or video problems, impeding the quality

of the learning experience (Hartley et al., 2016).

The virtual classroom environment introduces features that both emulate traditional classrooms and

extend beyond their limitations. These features encompass video and sound capabilities, chat
functionality, student feedback mechanisms, whiteboard tools, discussion administration options,

break-out rooms for group activities, and shared documents and files, fostering collaboration and

interaction (Xenos & Skodras, 2019). While virtual classrooms offer numerous benefits, they also

present disadvantages, potentially impacting personal human connection and interpersonal interactions

in the educational context (Hicks, 2018).

Theoretical Framework

The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is a theoretical framework that seeks to explain how users

accept and adopt new technologies. TAM was used to analyze the factors influencing students'

acceptance and adoption of AI technologies in these two different educational settings as explained

earlier.

Methodology

This study used qualitative approach exploring and drawing conclusion from the literature review and

underpins the paper with Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

Conclusion

In summary, the impact of technology on education in the digital age is profound, spanning traditional

classrooms to the rise of virtual and augmented learning environments. As technology advances, a

balanced approach combining the strengths of both traditional and virtual education becomes

increasingly essential.

Traditional classrooms have been the cornerstone of formal education, offering structured learning and

teacher-student interactions. While they offer advantages like immediate feedback and structured

environments, they face challenges in personalization and can promote passive learning. Nevertheless,

their role remains significant.

Virtual classrooms have become a vital component of modern education, offering flexibility,

personalized learning, and diverse resources accessible anytime, anywhere. They provide valuable

data-driven insights for tailored teaching methods but come with challenges like technical issues and

the absence of face-to-face interactions, affecting social and emotional aspects of learning.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into virtual classrooms is transformative. AI-powered

platforms personalize learning experiences, analyze student progress, and enhance content delivery

through intelligent tutoring systems. Empirical studies demonstrate AI's positive impact on student

retention and academic performance.

Virtual reality is revolutionizing education, offering immersive learning experiences that foster skills

development and experiential learning. However, it faces challenges like technical issues and content

exposure concerns. In this technology-driven education era, a harmonious blend of traditional, virtual,

AI-driven, and virtual reality approaches is crucial. Embracing these innovations while addressing their

limitations ensures a comprehensive and enriched learning experience for all students in the evolving

educational landscape.

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