AI-based mathematics learning platforms in undergraduate engineering studies: analyses of user experiences

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is becoming more popular between students in higher education helping students in finding answers faster and easier and augment the educational process. Although the educators usually consider artificial intelligence as a threat to educational processes, however artificial intelligence is a leap across creative and innovative thinking in various fields, including mathematics education. Several studies have shown that artificial intelligence allows students to develop and improve more mathematical skills and cognitive skills in learning. It can help students explore more without waiting for an educator. The purpose of the study is to identify what kind of artificial intelligence - based platforms are used by students in undergraduate engineering mathematics studies, to collect the users - students and teachers experience of using them and to perform a comparative analysis of two countries - Latvia and Estonia, identifying the main challenges and considerations for the use of artificial intelligence - based mathematics learning platforms in mathematics studies at universities. Research tasks include identification of AI-based mathematics learning platforms such as Photomath, Desmos, GeoGebra, Maplesoft, Matific, Carnegie Learning, Microsoft Math Solver, ASSISTments, Fishtree, ALEKS, Symbolab, Cognii, Gradescope, Acadly, Maple Calculator as well as chatbot ChatGPT, and analysis of scientific literature on the benefits of their use in mathematics studies. Empirical research includes a survey of undergraduate students in both countries as well as focused interviews of the teaching staff. The research results show that the most popular tools in both countries are Photomath, chatbot Chat GPT as well as Symbolab, complemented by GeoGebra in Estonia and Desmos in Latvia.