CGScholar AI Helper: A Generative AI Writing and Learning Assistant

The CGScholar AI Helper is an innovative web software application within the CGScholar suite of writing, peer review and assessment tools. The AI Helper offers feedback to students working on written assignment. In Phase I of the project in 2024, we tested the AI Helper in four middle and high schools. It was found that the Generative AI (GenAI) technology based on teachercustomized rubrics and topic-specific resources uploaded by the teacher provided students with constructive reviews and accurate ratings after they completed their drafts. Students used this feedback to successfully revise and resubmit their work. In this Phase II proposal, in response to the pilot findings we plan to develop an additional tool that provides AI support for students at the drafting stage while monitoring the relative contribution of the student and the AI, tracking learner progress independent of the AI. Although widely applicable for writing assignments across the range Grades 4 to 12, Phase II pilot studies will examine the applicability of the tool for information and argument writing in English Language Arts, Science and social studies in high school, a crucial transition time for college and career readiness.