arXiv:2607. 13370v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: This paper is an extension of a paper presented at the ICAART 2026 conference, which introduced LEA (Learning Engagement Assistant), an adaptive AI tutoring agent combining course-specific Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with structured Knowledge Component (KC) models across integrated Chat, Tutor, and Quiz modes.
By Teri Rumble, Javad Zarrin, P. George Lovell, Ruth Falconer
AI University (AI‑U) is a flexible framework that uses a fine‑tuned large language model (LLM) combined with retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) and a reasoning synthesis model to produce style‑aligned responses from lecture videos, notes, and textbooks. In a graduate‑level finite‑element‑method (FEM) course, the authors created a pipeline to generate course‑grounded training data, fine‑tuned an open‑source LLM with Low‑Rank Adaptation (LoRA), and applied RAG‑based synthesis. Evaluation through cosine similarity, LLM‑based assessment, expert review, and user studies showed that the expert model outperformed the base model in alignment with course materials, with 86 % of test cases scoring higher and human users preferring the expert model roughly twice as often.
whyItMatters":"The study demonstrates a practical method for building course‑specific learning assistants that improve alignment with instructional content, offering a template that can be extended across STEM fields."
By Mostafa Faghih Shojaei, Rahul Gulati, Benjamin A. Jasperson, Shangshang Wang, Simone Cimolato, Manas Vardhan, Dangli Cao, Willie Neiswanger, Krishna Garikipati
This paper is an extension of a paper presented at the ICAART 2026 conference, which introduced LEA (Learning Engagement Assistant), an adaptive AI tutoring agent combining course-specific Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with structured Knowledge Component (KC) models across integrated Chat, Tutor, and Quiz modes. That prior work validated LEA on a single STEM course (CMP511) exclusively through simulation, using synthetic learner agents.
arXiv:2509. 16780v3 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Large language models (LLMs) show promise as educational aids but often lack alignment with specific course materials.
By Eason Chen, Chuangji Li, Eric Li, Zimo Xiao, Jionghao Lin, Kenneth R. Koedinger
arXiv:2608. 03206v1 Announce Type: cross Abstract: Large language models (LLMs) power educational applications from tutoring to essay scoring, but each is a point solution to a single task, and only recently have these point solutions been integrated into agents operating over a learning management system (LMS).
By Unggi Lee, Sookbun Lee, Yeil Jeong, Eunjoo Lee, Minchul Shin, Hoilym Kwon
arXiv:2607. 05571v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Large language models are increasingly explored as AI tutors, yet deploying them in K-12 settings raises concerns around privacy, cost, and reliance on proprietary models.
By H. Chad Lane, Bryson Kageler