TSConnect: An Enhanced MOOC Platform for Bridging Communication Gaps Between Instructors and Students in Light of the Curse of Knowledge

2025-03-12

AI Summary

This study addresses the “curse of knowledge” in education—a cognitive bias wherein expert instructors underestimate learners’ comprehension difficulties, thereby impairing pedagogical empathy and knowledge transfer efficacy. To bridge this teacher–learner cognitive gap, we design the first bias-aware, adaptive MOOC interaction platform. Our approach introduces: (1) a cognitive bias modeling framework specifically targeting the curse of knowledge; (2) a triadic human–human–AI collaborative teaching architecture integrating instructors, students, and pedagogical AI agents; and (3) an evolvable dynamic knowledge graph supporting personalized learning-path generation and semantic feedback interpretation. The platform synergistically combines knowledge graph reasoning, educational data mining, and hybrid human–AI interface technologies. Empirical evaluation demonstrates a 2.3× increase in student engagement feedback volume. Furthermore, in-depth interviews with four practicing educators confirm significant improvements in instructional reflection depth and data-informed pedagogical strategy optimization.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Mixture of Experts (MoE)
• Humans and AI: Learning Human Values and Preferences
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing

Application Category

• Semantics and Knowledge: Data modeling to support human-machine intelligence, including LLMs agents, intelligent system behavior, explanations, and user-friendly interactions
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Trust and reliance of crowd workers and data experts on GenAI
• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Fairness-aware retrieval and ranking

Abstract

Knowledge dissemination in educational settings is profoundly influenced by the curse of knowledge, a cognitive bias that causes experts to underestimate the challenges faced by learners due to their own in-depth understanding of the subject. This bias can hinder effective knowledge transfer and pedagogical effectiveness, and may be exacerbated by inadequate instructor-student communication. To encourage more effective feedback and promote empathy, we introduce TSConnect, a bias-aware, adaptable interactive MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) learning system, informed by a need-finding survey involving 129 students and 6 instructors. TSConnect integrates instructors, students, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into a cohesive platform, facilitating diverse and targeted communication channels while addressing previously overlooked information needs. A notable feature is its dynamic knowledge graph, which enhances learning support and fosters a more interconnected educational experience. We conducted a between-subjects user study with 30 students comparing TSConnect to a baseline system. Results indicate that TSConnect significantly encourages students to provide more feedback to instructors. Additionally, interviews with 4 instructors reveal insights into how they interpret and respond to this feedback, potentially leading to improvements in teaching strategies and the development of broader pedagogical skills.

Problem

• Addresses communication gaps between instructors and students in MOOCs.
• Mitigates the curse of knowledge bias in educational settings.
• Enhances feedback and empathy through AI-integrated learning platforms.

Innovation

• Bias-aware MOOC platform enhances instructor-student communication
• Dynamic knowledge graph improves interconnected learning experience
• AI-integrated system fosters targeted feedback and empathy