SIAAA-C: A student interactive assistant android application with chatbot during COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mobile Computing

Background:

• University applications often lack features, hindering student access to information.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for digital solutions in education.
• Traditional guidance methods are insufficient for modern student needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a Student Interactive Assistant Android Application with Chatbot (SIAAA-C).
• To provide students with a versatile electronic guide for academic services.
• To enhance student engagement and information accessibility within a university setting.

Main Methods:

• Development of an Android application featuring a campus map, notifications, and a bilingual chatbot.
• Implementation of Arabic and English interfaces tailored for the University of Jordan.
• Real-world testing with 102 students from diverse faculties over a one-month period during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• The SIAAA-C application demonstrated promising results in a practical, real-world test environment.
• Student feedback indicated a positive reception to the app's features and usability.
• The chatbot effectively addressed a wide range of academic queries in both Arabic and English.

Conclusions:

• The SIAAA-C application serves as an effective personal electronic guide for university students.
• The app's bilingual chatbot and comprehensive features address limitations of existing university applications.
• SIAAA-C has the potential to significantly improve student services and information access, particularly in large, diverse institutions.