By Hesham Allam, PhD, MBA/MIS —
MUNCIE, IN—At Ball State University, cutting-edge technology is transforming the classroom experience. A local professor is using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict student grades and improve learning outcomes, offering a glimpse into the future of education.
By analyzing early semester data such as quizzes, attendance, and class discussions, the AI system provides a detailed view of how students are likely to perform in the course. “The AI gives us a powerful tool to identify trends early on,” says Chris Davison, CICS Director. “It doesn’t just predict final grades—it highlights weak points and strengths for each student, helping us tailor our approach.”
The system presents this information through an intuitive, visual dashboard, much like a car dashboard. Professors can quickly see which areas of the course are causing the most difficulty and identify the strongest areas for each student. “If a particular exam has widespread issues, the dashboard lets me know so I can adjust my teaching or even revise the exam for the next semester,” the professor explains.
Students also benefit directly from the AI-driven insights. When shown their personalized dashboard, students gain a clear sense of where they stand in the course. “It acts as an early alert system,” the professor notes. “The moment students see where they’re falling behind, they become more vigilant and proactive, and their performance improves significantly.”
The AI system, developed using Python, performs two primary functions. First, it provides real-time visualization of class performance, offering professors an up-to-the-minute snapshot of how each student is doing. Second, it predicts final grades and end-of-semester outcomes, giving students actionable recommendations to improve their performance. The system even generates tailored action plans for assignments and exams, ensuring students have a roadmap to success.
“The more I use this AI-powered dashboard, the more I see its impact,” the professor says. “It’s not just about data—it’s about giving students the tools and motivation to succeed.”
This innovative use of AI in education positions Ball State University as a leader in adopting technology to enhance student outcomes. By bringing together real-time analytics and predictive capabilities, the system not only supports professors but also empowers students to take control of their academic journeys.
As AI continues to revolutionize industries worldwide, its role in education offers immense potential. At Ball State, it’s clear that the future of learning is already here.
Hesham Allam, PhD, MBA/MIS is Assistant Professor, Center for Information & Communication Sciences (CICS) at Ball State University.
