Plan Ceibal Virtual Assistant

To promote an educational transformation that contributes to improving the quality of learning and social equity, CEIBAL has become the tool to introduce new information and communication technologies into the Uruguayan educational system. In addition to providing access to technological devices, it promotes their use in the classroom through the deployment of educational platforms, the creation of digital educational content, and teacher training. CEIBAL's path, from closing the digital gap to this new phase focused on boosting the learning potential, creativity, and critical thinking of Uruguayan children and adolescents, has consolidated it as a pioneer locally and regionally.

As a result of the pandemic, Uruguay faced the challenge of emergency remote teaching due to the closure of Educational Centers (EC) in better conditions than any other country in the region. The digital transformation of education got an early boost with the CEIBAL Plan, which universally provided devices, content, and learning management platforms, as well as training teachers and promoting new pedagogical practices. In light of the emergency, the system, the management, and the teaching teams responded promptly: in June 2020, ECs reopened with a three-pillar strategy: a) regiona focusl: starting with the interior, less dissemination of cases, b) vulnerability: privileging critical background areas, and c) pedagogical: focusing on the completion of cycles and the support and reincorporation of students with greater vulnerability. It reduced the number of days without face-to-face classes.

Problem to be solved

The adoption and active use of platforms grew significantly between 2019 and 2020, reinforcing the centrality of CEIBAL in the educational continuity and its use in classrooms. The growth in the supply of educational content, available both on platforms and in repositories or on Plan Ceibal's web portals also increases the difficulties that students and teachers may face when searching for relevant content on a specific topic.

Populations affected by the problem

Students and professors.

The current response to this problem, considering the related institutions

Currently, Plan CEIBAL's platform has all the educational resources available for students and teachers. Searches can be performed through thematic searches and simple filters.

Proposal to solve the problem using AI

To develop a prototype of an intelligent virtual assistant that provides personalized recommendations to teachers and students about Plan CEIBAL's digital content based on the applicant's characteristics and interests.

What security considerations, national laws, or standards should be considered to use each source of information?

Personal Data Protection Act.

Progress/results to May 2022

PThe scope and Terms of Reference of the intelligent virtual assistant development were defined. The tendering process was conducted and the contract was awarded in July 2022. The project was formally launched through a first exchange meeting with the awarded vendor.

Goals for 2022-II

By the end of 2022, the intelligent virtual assistant solution is expected to be developed and transferred to Plan CEIBAL for use and implementation. The goal for 2022-II remains the same, although adjustments to the project baselines are being assessed to consider technological aspects proposed by CEIBAL.

Main implementation challenges

No major risks have been identified.