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Blackboard Launches Chatbot for Student Support

Blackboard has added a live conversation simulation tool to its suite of student support offerings. The Blackboard Chatbot Powered By Ivy.AI is designed to provide personalized information and assistance on demand, and can be integrated across multiple departments within an institution, such as Admissions, Financial Aid and IT Services, according to a news announcement.  

When a user types a question, the chatbot uses natural language to answer simple queries such as "What is my financial aid account balance?" and "When is the deadline to register for classes?" It can also serve as an automated arm of an institution's technical service desk, and seamlessly hand off the conversation to a live adviser when needed. The tool also uses "supervised learning and analytics to improve response time, performance and accuracy," the company said.

"We are excited to offer institutions a hybrid technology- and people-based solution that offers students personalized, real-time resolutions when it comes to seeking information about their education," said Richa Batra, general manager of student services at Blackboard, in a statement. "Blackboard Chatbot Powered By Ivy.AI simplifies and expedites this process by allowing students to secure information according to their own schedule. As a result, students can spend more time on learning and institutions can focus more energy on strategic initiatives and teaching."

For more information, visit the Blackboard site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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