The year 2020, digitization is in full swing. You can hear terms like “Internet of Things” or “Industry 4.0” on every corner. The automation industry is constantly growing, hardware and software solutions make life easier in all areas. The range of use cases is so wide that not only the manufacturing sector but also service companies can benefit from this development.
Public institutions such as universities can also optimize their work processes with the help of digitization. This applies equally to processes in the background and to communication with target groups. One of the biggest levers for improving this is implementing an AI chatbot.
Whenever questions arise, people search for answers — today mostly on the Internet. Because, as a rule, all people want quick and helpful answers to their questions and thus have the appropriate basis for decision-making. Young people in particular, who are faced with one of the most important decisions in their lives — choosing a career path — have a lot of questions. Educational institutions are also noticing this. Even before and during the complex application and admission process, the same questions arise again and again — year after year. This variety of questions leads to long waiting times on the part of users, and to the loss of valuable time on the part of colleges and universities. AI chatbots for colleges and universities can help here, initiate positive changes and create a win-win situation out of the tension just mentioned.
How does a chatbot work in practice?
A conversation with a chatbot is possible for the user with just a few clicks and within a very short time — around the clock. The small chatbot window (called a chat widget), which can usually be found at the bottom right, logs in and offers users direct assistance. Website visitors are thus guided through a standardized and efficient communication process in which they receive all necessary information. The AI behind it ensures that people learn something new through every conversation. In addition, AI is able to independently suggest new questions. The only important thing is that the AI chatbot Before going live, he is fed with information and trained so that, for example, he is aware of important deadlines, the NC for study programs or information about organizations and can provide meaningful answers.
Not only must prospective students be helped with practical information about the university and the application process — of course, the chatbot can also answer questions from students enrolled at the university. Examples of questions could include:
What is there to eat in the canteen today? Which leisure activities can I take advantage of in the next semester? In which room will my lecture take place tomorrow?
Which questions and concerns a chatbot should answer naturally differ from university to college or from university to university. However, all content can be individually coordinated so that the chatbot is tailor-made and ideally suited to the respective application.
What are the benefits of AI chatbots for colleges and universities?
AI chatbots answer inquiries around the clock. This is particularly important when potential students only come to find out more late in the evening or access the website from other time zones. Especially in times when more and more students are seizing the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, this is a factor that should not be underestimated. The automation solution also solves the challenge of multilingualism in a playful way. The ERASMUS program not only attracts German-speaking students abroad, but also for students from other countries, German universities and universities are an attractive destination for a stay abroad. Since the AI chatbot has the advantage not only of automatically recognizing English, but also of responding in English, students with little or no knowledge of German also receive the desired information.
Another advantage: Since the program satisfactorily answers recurring, simple inquiries within seconds, employees at educational institutions have more time to deal with more complex inquiries. The increase in service levels thus leads to higher overall satisfaction among website visitors — worldwide. A simple solution with positive effects for universities and universities. One university that is a classic best-case example of this is Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, the case study can be found at this link.
What questions can an AI chatbot answer at universities and universities of applied sciences?
Prospective students receive information on a variety of questions from university AI chatbots. In addition to the topics mentioned above, such as deadlines, admission requirements and NC or student life, an AI chatbot can theoretically provide website visitors with much more information. Questions about study offerings and tuition fees can be trained. The same applies to concerns about entrance tests, language requirements or the enrollment process. In addition, the target group of students from abroad can of course also be focused so that the chatbot answers topics such as “visas”, “Erasmus programs” or “admission procedures.” The solutions here are extensive.
conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that there is hardly a phase of life in which more questions arise than at the end of school and the associated start of one's own life. Wouldn't it make sense to help young people during this time and make the transition easier for them? With AI chatbots on their website, universities and universities have the opportunity to achieve this and, at the same time, improve their own website presence and convince more students for themselves. For more information, you can read more about Chatbot for universities and colleges experienced.
