KAUST is developing AI-driven personalized learning and testing platforms to address STEM education resource gaps in Saudi Arabia. The project involves building an intelligent tutoring system in collaboration with Saudi high schools, the Ministry of Education, and SDAIA. The AI tutor, designed in a Socratic style, enhances learning through GenAI tutoring, including in Arabic, and supports teachers by generating test and homework problems. Why it matters: This initiative aims to prepare Saudi youth for future workforce demands and enhance educational outcomes, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for human capital development.
MBZUAI appointed Ekaterina Kochmar as an assistant professor of NLP to advance AI-assisted learning. Kochmar co-founded Korbit AI, an AI-powered dialogue-based tutoring system for STEM subjects. Korbit AI aims to democratize education by providing personalized, high-quality education globally at minimal cost. Why it matters: This appointment highlights MBZUAI's commitment to AI in education and personalized learning, positioning the UAE as a hub for innovation in educational technology.
MBZUAI researchers have developed a new benchmark for evaluating the teaching abilities of large language models (LLMs), earning the SAC Award for Resources and Evaluation at NAACL 2025. The framework aims to measure how effectively LLMs can be used for personalized tutoring, addressing the "two sigma problem" in education. Unlike rule-based tutoring systems, LLMs offer fluency but lack pedagogical principles. Why it matters: This benchmark is a crucial step towards integrating learning science into AI, potentially enabling personalized AI tutors that significantly improve educational outcomes.
Students and teachers from Thuwal schools visited KAUST for computer-oriented activities on February 7. The activities included a practical computer coding lesson inspired by "Hour of Code," where participants used Mac computers to work through an online tutorial. Students and teachers also toured the supercomputing facilities in the KAUST Core Labs led by Bilel Hadri of the ECRC. Why it matters: Such outreach programs help promote STEM education and engagement with advanced computing resources among local students.
Ted Briscoe from the University of Cambridge discussed using machine learning and NLP to develop learning-oriented assessment (LOA) for non-native writers. The technology is used in Cambridge English courseware like Empower and Linguaskill, as well as Write and Improve. Briscoe is also the co-founder and CEO of iLexIR Ltd. Why it matters: Improving automated language assessment could significantly enhance online language learning platforms in the Arab world and beyond.
Ekaterina Kochmar from the University of Bath presented the Korbit Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), an AI-powered dialogue-based platform providing personalized learning experiences. A comparative study showed that students using Korbit achieved 2-2.5 times higher learning gains and higher completion rates compared to a traditional MOOC platform. Kochmar is also a co-founder and CSO of Korbit AI. Why it matters: The research highlights the potential of AI to deliver personalized education and significantly improve learning outcomes in online STEM education, an area of focus for many GCC universities.
UC Berkeley professor Michael I. Jordan will lead a session on AI, Machine Learning and Economy as part of the MBZUAI Executive Program. The program is headed by MBZUAI President Eric Xing and includes 42 participants from ministerial leadership and top industry executives. The 12-week program aims to support the UAE's AI leadership mission through education, capacity building, innovation, and R&D. Why it matters: The involvement of a prominent academic figure like Jordan highlights the UAE's commitment to attracting global expertise in AI education and solidifying its position as an AI hub.
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