PingPong - AI Course Assistant
FAS is currently running a pilot of Harvard Kennedy School's AI course assistant PingPong.
PingPong is a tool that allows for the creation of customized chatbots (or “assistants”) for teaching and learning.
PingPong can augment the learning experience for students by providing them with a conversation partner with detailed knowledge of the course material and specific instructions.
PingPong is developed and maintained by the Kennedy School and currently partnering with the FAS. Transition issues are expected. We are here to help with any questions or bumps in the road in usage.
Teams from both the Bok Center and HUIT ATG are available for one-on-one AI consultations at Pierce Hall, Room 110 M-F . Stop by with questions about assignment design, pedagogical strategies, troubleshooting tool access, or general AI integration advice.
Setting Up A PingPong Assistant
Managing Members
There are two types of roles in PingPong
- Moderator: Instructors and teaching team members have a “Moderator” role.
- Member: Students have a “Member” role and engage with the assistants provided.
What types of assistants can be created?
Several different types of assistants (that is, custom generative AI chatbots) can be created, such as virtual course assistants, simulated debates, and feedback tools. Instructors can create a multitude of chatbots to enhance the student experience. The following is a list of potential examples:
Virtual course assistant
PingPong can serve to complement traditional course assistants by answering questions students might have about course material and class logistics.
Skills practice partner
PingPong can be set up as a sparring partner, enabling students to further their skills in a one-on-one setting, giving them a way to practice skills at any time during the day. The following are a number of potential skills practice partners.
Debate partner: Students can improve their debating skills and explore debate issues and roles through debating with the assistant.
Negotiation skills: PingPong can be trained as a negotiation counterpart and students can practice seeking agreement across difference or negotiation preparation assistance.
Language practice assistant: PingPong can be a language learning partner. Students can hold conversations in the foreign language they are learning with the bot. The assistant can give them feedback on their performance and on common mistakes.
Medical diagnostic: PingPong can simulate medical patients' conditions, giving medical students the opportunity to practice diagnostics.
“Brief Me”: PingPong can be programmed to act as a briefing recipient, giving students the ability to practice their briefing skills and get feedback before briefing professors.
Practice problem bot or “quiz me” engine: PingPong can help students prepare for exams with bots designed to create course-specific practice problems.
Feedback tools
Students can provide drafts or answers for assignments to PingPong, and the assistant provides them with feedback on these drafts. Instructors can adjust the level and extent of feedback and provide assignment criteria.