Artificial Intelligence and Voice Assistant in Media Studies: A Critical Review

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to assess the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and voice assistant in media studies. The scope of the study was limited to the application and effects of AI and voice assistant in media studies. A qualitative research approach, the use of literature review as a research design and approach was used and effectively facilitated the realization of the study purpose. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown significant progress and its potential is growing. An application area of AI is Natural Language Processing (NLP).

Voice assistants incorporate AI using cloud computing and can communicate with the users in natural language. Voice assistants are easy to use and thus there are millions of devices that incorporates them in households nowadays. Most common devices with voice assistants are smart speakers and they have just started to be used in schools and universities. The purpose of this paper is to study the capabilities of voice assistants in the classroom and to present findings from previous studies.

The study ascertained that AI has extensively been adopted and used in media education, particularly by media institutions, in different forms. AI initially took the form of computer and computer related technologies, transitioning to web-based and online intelligent education systems, and ultimately with the use of embedded computer systems, together with other technologies, the use of humanoid robots and web-based chatbots to perform instructors’ duties and functions independently or with instructors. Using these platforms, instructors have been able to perform different administrative functions, such as reviewing and grading students’ assignments more effectively and efficiently, and achieve higher quality in their teaching activities. On the other hand, because the systems leverage machine learning and adaptability, curriculum and content has been customized and personalized in line with students’ needs, which has fostered uptake and retention, thereby improving learners experience and overall quality of learning.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, voice assistants, media, media studies, leaner