Overview of the Idea

The NTU website could benefit from an AI chatbot designed to answer general enquiries. This tool would help reduce waiting times on the general queries phone line and make information more accessible for prospective students, current students, parents, and the general public. Many users find the website overwhelming or struggle to locate simple information, which often leads to unnecessary calls.

 

Why This Matters

• Accessibility: Students often hesitate to contact course tutors for general questions. A chatbot offers a non-intrusive way to get answers quickly.

• International Student Support: International students may face language barriers, high phone costs, and difficulty navigating UK-specific information. A chatbot could provide reassurance and clarity.

• Efficiency: Reduces pressure on phone lines and staff by handling common queries automatically.

 

Examples of Use Cases

1.  Student Support Services

• “What services does NTU offer for students with disabilities, mature students, or carers?”

 The chatbot could provide direct links and summaries of relevant support pages.

2.  International Student Guidance

• “Where can I find accommodation options near NTU?”

•  “What bursaries or offers are available for international students?”

•  “What are the nearest restaurants or transport options?”

These answers could help students who are unfamiliar with the UK and reduce the stress of navigating large amounts of information.

 

Additional Benefits

• Available 24/7 for quick responses.

• Can be programmed to protect university data and only share publicly available information.

• Could include multilingual support for non-native English speakers.

 

I believe this feature would significantly improve user experience and strengthen NTU’s reputation for accessibility and innovation.

Thank you again for considering this idea. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.