Publication Search

The integration of artificial intelligence chatbots as virtual teaching assistants (VTAs) represents a transformative shift in student support services within higher education. This study investigates the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of AI-powered chatbots in providing academic support, administrative assistance, and personalized guidance to university students. Employing a longitudinal mixed-methods approach over 18 months, this research analyzed data from 2,347 students across 15 universities that deployed VTA systems, examining interaction patterns, student satisfaction, learning outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Quantitative analysis of 487,392 chatbot interactions revealed that VTAs successfully handled 78.4% of student queries without human intervention, with response times averaging 3.2 seconds compared to 4.7 hours for traditional support channels. Qualitative findings from focus groups and interviews highlighted students' appreciation for 24/7 availability, immediate responses, and non-judgmental interactions, while also revealing concerns about empathy limitations, complex query handling, and the desire for human connection in critical situations. The study demonstrates that VTAs significantly improve support service accessibility and efficiency while reducing operational costs by an average of 43%. However, optimal implementation requires careful integration with human support staff, continuous training of AI systems, and attention to equity issues in digital access. This research contributes to understanding how AI can augment rather than replace human educators, offering evidence-based recommendations for implementing VTA systems that enhance student success while maintaining the human elements essential to quality education.

Effective communication is a key competency for medical professionals, but traditional classroom-based methods in Indonesia face challenges such as limited practice, geographical barriers, and insufficient exposure to diverse patient scenarios. Mobile-assisted learning (MAL) offers a promising solution to enhance medical communication training outside traditional settings. This study investigates the effectiveness of MAL interventions in developing communication skills among Indonesian medical students and healthcare professionals. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-assessments of communication competence among 180 participants from three Indonesian medical schools. The MAL intervention included a mobile app with video demonstrations, interactive case scenarios, peer feedback, and microlearning modules. Quantitative data showed a significant improvement in communication competence (mean increase of 23.4%, p<0.001), with notable gains in information gathering (28%), relationship building (26%), and patient education (21%). The mobile platform saw high engagement (average of 4.3 sessions/week) and 87% module completion. Qualitative data revealed increased confidence in consultations, improved cultural sensitivity, and better time management. Challenges included inconsistent internet access, varying digital literacy, and resistance from traditional educators. MAL shows potential for improving medical communication in Indonesia, offering flexible, accessible training. Successful implementation requires addressing infrastructure issues, integrating MAL into existing curricula, and training faculty. This study adds to the growing evidence supporting technology-enhanced medical education in resource-limited settings.

This study examines the effectiveness of Management Information Systems (MIS) in environmental permit administration within the Environmental Agency of Makassar City during the 2023-2024 period. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research integrates several theoretical frameworks including Systems Theory, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Resource-Based View (RBV), Diffusion of Innovations, and Contingency Theory to comprehensively evaluate MIS performance. Through in-depth interviews with 35 respondents, direct observations, and documentation analysis over six months, the research identifies the impact of MIS implementation on environmental governance. Findings reveal significant improvements in processing efficiency (42% time reduction), administrative error reduction (67% decrease), and enhanced stakeholder engagement (53% increase in public participation). Nevertheless, challenges persist in regulatory alignment, technical reliability (12% system downtime), and user adaptation (23% of staff reporting usage difficulties). The study underscores the importance of continuous system optimization, targeted training, and cross-departmental integration for sustainable environmental governance. Theoretical contributions include an integrated MIS evaluation model for environmental administration contexts, while practical implications offer recommendations for technology-based permitting process improvements. Research limitations include a single geographic focus and relatively short observation period, suggesting the need for future longitudinal and comparative studies.