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ICDE Report

ICDE Member Spotlight: Revolutionising learning with AI study buddy, Syntea

Discover how ICDE Institutional Members International University of Applied Sciences (IU) and LIBF have integrated Syntea, a personal AI tutor, into their students’ learning. Find out how this AI study buddy enriches student learning and contact IU and LIBF to learn more or share experiences.

Photo credit: International University of Applied Sciences (IU)

What is Syntea?

Syntea is an AI-powered tool developed by Germany-based IU International University of Applied Sciences. Available in all the university’s courses, this AI tutor revolutionises how students learn and practice new information. By leveraging the benefits of cutting-edge technological advancements – artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs), and GPT-4o, students not only learn better, but are also more prepared for working with these AI tools and other apps in the future, throughout their career.

Since October 2023, Syntea has been supporting students at IU in more than 1,000 online courses as an AI companion. In fact, Syntea is the first generative AI application in Germany that is available to learners in the field of continuing education for all continuing education courses.

In addition, ICDE Institutional Member and UK-based university, LIBF has also integrated Syntea to support and enhance the learning experience of its learners. In 2023, LIBF joined the IU Group, aligning with IU’s mission to stay ahead of the curve with flexible and innovative learning models in digital education. LIBF emphasises practical skills and innovative thought leadership to prepare students for today’s dynamic job market.

Photo credit: International University of Applied Sciences (IU)

How does Syntea work?

The AI application is integrated into the learning interface as a speech bubble at the bottom right of the screen and offers numerous functions. For example, users can ask Syntea questions about specific course content via the chat function and receive answers based on the content of the IU courses around the clock. All answers provided by Syntea have been tutor-verified, ensuring quality control and accuracy.

However, IU’s self-developed Syntea is more than just a generative AI that uses, among other things, large language models (LLMs). Syntea also acts as a personal avatar that can be controlled via voice functions and uses interactive dialogues and a proactive approach to ensure that learners remain motivated and achieve their learning goals at their own pace and according to their personal needs.

Syntea’s main features:

  • Q&A: Students can ask Syntea any question related to their course content. They will be given an answer and directed to the course book element where the answer was taken from, allowing students to expand their knowledge through it.
  • PreAssessment: students can use this feature to test their existing knowledge before they start a course, or to test their knowledge before taking an exam to map improvement needs.
  • Deep dialogue learning: Deepening knowledge of course content through stimulating conversation with the AI tutor
  • Exam trainer: prepares students for exams by simulating exam conditions, providing practice questions, and offering feedback on answers.

Syntea is being continuously improved, with new features added based on student feedback.

How does Syntea help the learning process?

Syntea adds to the overall learning experience at IU and LIBF. Students have access to support 24/7 and the tool can be used by both students and tutors to enhance and improve the learning experience.

In addition to being a tool for improving learning during students’ time at university, the use of Syntea also helps them become AI-literate professionals – an important skill in the time to come.

Students using Syntea completed their course 27% faster than students who did not use the study tool. Read the study “Revolutionising Distance Learning: A Comparative Study of Learning Progress with AI-Driven Tutoring”

Students and learners who have tried Syntea, which boasts an 87% satisfaction rating, report positive effects on their learning experience. Their feedback shows better internalisation of learning content, and very positive responses to the personalised attention they receive through Syntea.

Want to know more?

If you’re interested in learning more about Syntea, its features and the development process – or if you’d like to share your experience with similar AI tools – contact:

Konstantinos Bardis (Project Manager – Strategic Partnerships at IU): konstantinos.bardis@iu.org

Freddie McCann (HE Reputation and Partnerships Manager at LIBF) at: fmccann@libf.ac.uk

Want to be featured?

If you’re an ICDE member and want to highlight your work through the ICDE Member Spotlight, please contact Anna Fredriksen (Communication and Administration Adviser) at fredriksen@icde.org

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