By Jenna Somers
Almost anyone who starts a new job reads training and policy documents as part of an on-boarding process. They might peruse the assigned reading to check the right boxes, but how much are they really learning in the process? How can employers verify learning from training materials and improve how these documents convey information, and how can employees take ownership of their learning?
To help answer these questions, scholars in the Language and Educational Analytics Research Lab at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development have created iTELL (Intelligent Texts for Enhanced Lifelong Learning), an innovative AI learning tool that transforms static text into interactive learning experiences and tracks learner progress.
With iTELL, static text documents are converted into web-based, interactive reading experiences. Users can hover over text and ask questions of the AI about what they're reading. They progress through chapters answering written-response questions for which they receive immediate, tailored AI feedback to improve their comprehension of the material. Users also provide self-explanations about their understanding of the text, and the AI can guide them through re-reading sections they may not have fully processed. Both employers and employees can track data and use analytics to compare individual and company-wide learning outcomes and address knowledge gaps.
University support for iTELL
The innovation ecosystem at Vanderbilt has taken notice of iTELL's commercial potential. The iTELL team, led by Scott Crossley, professor of psychology and human development, won an Innovation Catalyst Award from the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization and a Chancellor's Launch Grant.
Langdon Holmes and Wesley Morris, Ph.D. students at Peabody College, lead iTELL's technological development and commercialization efforts, respectively, along with Amara Zulfiqar, an MBA student at Owen Graduate School of Management, who works closely with Morris on iTELL's commercial viability.
Zulfiqar presented iTELL to investors through the Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship through Tech Transfer (VETTT) program, a collaboration between the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and the Owen Graduate School of Management.
The team was recently accepted to the National Science Foundation's National I-Corps program, following their successful completion of the regional I-Corps program hosted by the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center. Chevron also gave a $50,000 gift to the team to further develop iTELL and bring it to market.
"When we were going through the customer-discovery interviews of the I-Corps program, it became clear that there was a real industry need for something like iTELL," Morris said. "The I-Corps program and the Chancellor's Launch grant have offered valuable access to industry mentors who can help us set goals and bring iTELL into the market. We're interested in collaborating with partners who want to change the way learning and development teams do training."
As the team lays the groundwork to commercialize iTELL as a workplace training tool, they have piloted it at several universities, where they have found evidence that it improves learning and user satisfaction. They also see potential for introducing iTELL into K-12 classrooms to aid students' reading comprehension and create more interactive learning experiences.
For now, they are keenly focused on developing a foothold in the workplace, grateful for the Vanderbilt community that has encouraged them along the way.
"We've been blown away by the level of support we've received in terms of grants and the guidance of the CTTC. The Vanderbilt community has been fantastic," Holmes said.
"We also really appreciate the support of the Vanderbilt alumni community. When Amara and I are at conferences and we mention that we're part of a Vanderbilt team, we're greeted by dozens of Vanderbilt alumni. Hearing their support and encouragement has been very helpful and inspiring," Morris said.
iTELL is a technology of the National AI Institute for Adult Learning and Online Education (AI-ALOE), a research institute funded by the National Science Foundation and Accenture through NSF. Led by Georgia Institute of Technology, AI-ALOE brings together researchers and experts in cognitive and learning science, computer science, and education from a consortium of universities, including Vanderbilt University. Scott Crossley is a member of AI-ALOE's executive committee.
