Sharad Goel’s innovative web platform for creating custom generative AI chatbots brought the power of AI to classrooms, helping transform teaching and learning at HKS and beyond.
Sharad first piloted the AI tool (initially called “StatGPT”) in his own courses, where it acted as a tutorbot that would answer student questions about course concepts but was trained to not give away answers to problem sets. Sharad then incorporated student and faculty feedback to create the standalone web application known as PingPong (named for the back-and-forth conversation between user and bot). Any faculty member can now use PingPong to securely incorporate AI into their teaching.
In collaboration with developers from the Computational Policy Lab, which he co-directs, Sharad has created a powerful tool that prioritizes simplicity and flexibility to help teachers and students alike. Bots created on PingPong can be prompted by faculty to suit specific teaching tasks (for example, to answer questions about course logistics, provide skills or writing feedback along certain criteria, or roleplay a debate partner). PingPong can also be fed course documents and relevant materials, to give the bots domain- or teaching-specific expertise. Faculty can review student interactions with the bot, gaining insight into the questions students pose, and the ways the bots respond with the goal of supporting student learning.
A growing number of faculty at HKS and many elsewhere have created custom PingPong chatbots demonstrating the potential for a staggering range of uses, from course assistants and tutors, to quizzers, feedback bots, and debate or negotiation partners. During the AY24 orientation, for example, all incoming and returning students debated with custom bots created on PingPong to improve skills on engaging in constructive disagreement.
Sharad’s thoughtful and flexible approach has already made a big impact in HKS classrooms. A student in his statistics course writes, “This innovation is the first of its kind at HKS. Particularly at a moment where professors and students alike are unsure how generative AI will affect learning, this tool proactively answers the call. It lets students experiment […] with the capabilities of generative AI to support their learning, while also ensuring AI doesn't serve as a replacement for critical thinking and problem solving. Its accessibility gives students additional options for the time and manner in which they access learning support, reducing barriers to deeper engagement with class material and concepts.”