Bringing AI to Education
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki (DST) recognized the need to embrace new technologies while staying true to its mission of delivering personalized, high-quality education. The challenge was twofold: how to integrate advanced AI technologies in a way that added value to the educational experience without losing the personal, human touch that the Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki values? And how could this integration support the school’s vision of fostering intercultural communication and bilingual education?
For DST, it wasn’t just about keeping up with trends. The goal was to solve real challenges related to communication, accessibility, and student engagement. With parents, students, and staff all requiring timely, clear communication, the school needed a solution that could provide consistent, reliable support while maintaining its high standards of service.
Additionally, DST faced the challenge of introducing a solution that would be user-friendly and accessible for a diverse audience, including families, students, and staff from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The school’s aim was to enhance communication both online and in-person while making the experience seamless and approachable for everyone involved.
There was also the broader question of how this technology could improve the learning experience for students. Could an AI-driven solution help DST better serve its bilingual and multicultural community? Could it support educational objectives in a way that felt natural and intuitive?
The real challenge was finding the balance between cutting-edge technology and the personal connections that lie at the heart of the DST experience.
Additionally, coordinating these efforts required a robust digital strategy, deep understanding of AI-driven technologies and flawless execution, within the competitive and limited timeframe of July to September 2024, during the high-profile Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) 2024 event.
Introducing “Anna,” the AI-Powered Avatar
To address the challenges faced by the Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki (DST), TheFutureCats Innovation Consultancy designed and implemented all the necessary technologies to bring “Anna,” Greece’s first AI-powered avatar for education, to life. As DST’s trusted partner, TheFutureCats made sure the solution not only met the school’s needs but also aligned with its values of bilingual, intercultural education.
Using cutting-edge AI technologies, Anna was developed to serve as an interactive, user-friendly solution for students, parents, and staff. Her core abilities are powered by advanced tools that enable natural communication and a seamless user experience.
Technologies used to implement Anna:
At the core of Anna’s success is her ability to engage with the school community in a way that feels both natural and helpful. By using D-ID’s platform for the avatar’s lifelike presence and OpenAI’s ChatGPT for conversational capabilities, TheFutureCats Innovation Consultancy delivered a solution that reflects DST’s forward-thinking vision.
Anna made her debut at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), where visitors interacted with her in real time. She provided information on the school’s bilingual education programs and answered visitor inquiries, demonstrating how AI can be both functional and approachable.
Anna will continue to support DST through the school’s website and on-site, enhancing both the learning experience and communication for students, parents, and staff.