AI nudging in education

A panel discussion on the effectiveness of persuasive AI in digital learning

Abstract

Higher education faces declining student engagement, resulting in poor motivation and course completion rates. Students struggle with workload management, social disconnection, and limited meaningful interactions with instructors and peers (Naylor et al, 2017). These challenges are intensified in digital learning environments where isolation is common. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven nudging systems offer potential solutions through timely, personalised feedback to improve motivation, increase behavioural engagement, and reduce dropout rates by restoring connection and teacher presence. This panel examines tensions surrounding persuasive AI through the EngageAI project, which uses persuasive AI technology to deliver personalised behavioural nudges to enhance student’s learning experience.  Four panellists will discuss: Does AI nudging's technical promise translate into meaningful outcomes? Are we empowering learners or creating algorithmic dependency? Can persuasive AI survive institutional constraints like budget limitations, privacy policies, and educational conservatism? The panel explores whether AI nudging represents adaptive learning's future or technological control over student behaviour.