The report presents the rationale, research processes, findings and details for the development of an AI chatbot to support the attainment of academic writing skills by bridging and foundation ākonga.
Gen AI provides many opportunities, when used appropriately, for supporting bridging/foundation ākonga and their kaiako. This report could be used as a start towards informing how Gen AI can be utilised to underpin a shift towards more ako and ākonga-centred learning.
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Background:
This research project, led by Dr Selena Chan from Ara Institute of Canterbury, was completed in June 2025.
This project investigates the specific challenges, impacts, and potentials of utilising Gen AI to support the learning of reading and writing or beginning te reo Māori for Aotearoa foundation and bridging ākonga.
The integration of Gen AI into the ako of foundation/bridging programmes, requires careful learning design. The main goal of these programmes is to ensure ākonga attain the academic literacy skills necessary for further study or work.
There is a need to ensure that Gen AI supports academic literacies without compromising ākonga engagement with the deliberate practice required to attain the literacy skills.
Co-funded by the Ako Aotearoa Research and Innovation Agenda (AARIA)