This fall, Morehouse College students might find themselves greeted by an unexpected addition to their academic journey: an AI Teaching Assistant (TA). In a groundbreaking move, some professors at the prestigious HBCU in Atlanta are set to adopt digitized, AI-powered versions of themselves to help students with class questions 24/7. Read more inside.

Imagine pulling an all-nighter for a test and needing a quick clarification on a topic—now, instead of waiting until office hours, you can get the help you need instantly. These AI TAs, accessible through a simple web URL on Chrome, are designed to re-teach material, handle basic office hour queries, and free up professors’ schedules, allowing for a more flexible and supportive learning environment.

Steve Grubbs, CEO and co-founder of VictoryXR—the tech company behind this AI platform—explains that most professors can create their AI TAs using a straightforward intake form. For the initial roll-out, VictoryXR is guiding and assisting Morehouse’s faculty to ensure a smooth integration.

Dr. Muhsinah L. Morris, Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Morehouse, highlighted the collaboration between VictoryXR and the college, which began during the pandemic. This partnership also led to the creation of the first “Metaversity,” facilitating asynchronous learning when in-person classes were limited.

The excitement among students is palpable. Dr. Morris told Hypepotamus that students feel recognized and valued with this new technology, crafted specifically for them. Various departments, including Education and History, are eager to implement the AI TAs. Dr. Ovell Hamilton, a VR pioneer and Assistant Director of the Metaversity, along with Dr. Derrick Bryan of the Student Success Center, are key figures in this initiative.

This AI integration aims to increase student success by providing constant access to information, enhancing engagement, and potentially boosting grades. As Dr. Morris puts it, this is an “opportunistic reality happening in real-time,” expanding the capabilities for both professors and students alike.

Stay tuned, because the future of education at Morehouse College just got a whole lot more innovative.