Virtual Assistants for Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

A problem of students' motivation, engagement and declining interest in the learning process has always existed, contributing to increasing failures and dropouts. This is particularly important among first year students. Freshmen often have difficulties with time management, how to prioritize tasks, and how to study at the university. Because of the increasing number of higher education students, it is impossible to provide individual tutoring and support to every student, to help them manage this first-year indefiniteness and later difficulties. Recent developments in the area of information technology, software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data creates the opportunity for personalized, flexible and adaptable learning environment, accessible anytime, anywhere. One such example is a virtual assistant, a tool that provides assistance to usually boring or repetitive daily activities. In education, a virtual assistant can help organising the study process, manage time, increasing motivation and engagement in the study process. This paper performs a systematic literature review of the use of virtual assistants in higher education. It focuses on the technology that powers them, their features and their impact in the learning process, motivation and productivity, according to the authors.