What is the primary role of educational chatbots?

The primary role of educational chatbots is to provide 24/7 assistance and information to students. This function is essential in creating an accessible and supportive learning environment, as chatbots can address frequently asked questions, guide students through course materials, and assist with administrative tasks outside standard classroom hours. This continuous availability enhances the learning experience by ensuring that students can seek help whenever they need it, facilitating immediate responses to their inquiries, which can aid in their understanding and retention of educational content.

While grading student assignments may involve the use of artificial intelligence, that is not the primary function of chatbots; their focus is more on interaction and support rather than assessment. Designing educational games and conducting research are significantly different activities that fall outside the scope of what chatbots typically offer to students. They are not designed for creative or original research tasks, but rather for delivering information and assistance efficiently and effectively.