AI writing collaborator: research assistant
This Bento Box engages students to explore multiple generative-AI tools and assistants to research an assigned topic. They are guided to evaluate tool based on purpose, features and output quality. Students then compare the tools and discuss their recommendations with peers, highlighting opportunities and challenges of using AI to assist their research.
This Bento can be used alongside other AI-themed Bentos that correspond to different stages of the writing process, such as AI writing collaborator: option generator and AI writing collaborator: feedback partner.
| AI writing collaborator: research assistant | Contains: | Content to prepare: |
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| Estimated time to set up: 10 minutes | ||
Key pedagogical principles
Bento Boxes are grounded in constructivist learning theory, where students build their own understanding through active engagement and interaction.
- Inclusive design: AI technology offers multiple representations (e.g., text, examples, analogies, and possibly audio). Students can interact with either text or audio accommodating different communication preferences, aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
- Student agency and self-regulation: Students set goals, monitor AI responses for quality, and reflect on their learning process promoting metacognitive awareness and ownership of learning.
- Critical AI literacy: Students are encouraged to assess the strengths and limitations of AI-generated feedback and practice acknowledging the use of AI, promoting responsible and informed use of AI in education.
- Dialogic learning: Peer discussions encourage critical comparison of experiences and collaborative meaning-making.
- Scaffolded inquiry: The structured “Bento Box” framework provides guided stages supporting deeper inquiry and critical thinking.
Instructions to set up your Bento Box
 | Prepare content Identify relevant topics and research aims for the activity. |
 | Update the learning activity overview Update the activity name and description to contextualise the activity within your unit. Outline connections to learning outcomes or assessment tasks to make the purpose of the activity clear to students. |
 | Update Task 2: Explore and engage with AI tools Provide details of relevant topics or research aims to guide students' efforts (from step 1). The included activity highlights three AI-enabled research tools available within the Monash environment. Add or modify the optional tools for those relevant to your discipline, industry or professional role. Alternatively, you could allow your students to find other appropriate tools. If so, you will need to provide them with instructions on how they should find and determine which tools to explore. |
 | Engage in the forum discussion Review student posts, provide feedback, and prompt deeper critical evaluation (e.g., accuracy, bias, usefulness, and how they used the AI output). |