THE MERLIN PROJECT: MALAYSIAN STUDENTS’ ACCEPTANCE OF AN AI CHATBOT IN THEIR LEARNING PROCESS

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the educational landscape of institutions higher education, which were predominantly face-to-face. In Malaysia, many universities converted their courses into online to keep up with challenges working from home during pandemic, using web technologies and blended learning approaches. However, there are in ensuring students’ attention retention rates maintained enough support scaffolding provided them when they online. As such, MERLIN Project was undertaken develop a virtual assistant that would provide students outside classes. project used Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology Natural Language Processing (NLP) features chatbot simulated human-like conversation between students. Content environment media-rich mapped Mayer’s 12 Multimedia Learning Principles. Data 102 collected gauge perceptions feedback. Results showed found be helpful process improved understanding course material. A conceptual framework for use AI chatbots as assistants is proposed improve experiences new normal.