How important are Chatbots within Engineering Education? A literature-based review from 2011 to 2023

Over the years, the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution has brought a much-needed transition within the education sector. COVID-19 has contributed immensely on how teaching and learning is currently evolving. Most of the traditional face-to-face institutions found themselves utilizing technology to enhance teaching and learning activities. Technological tools brought amongst others, artificial intelligence that is currently dictating the direction of education system. Chatbots amongst others found its space within teaching and learning, allowing both students and academics to find education interesting. The current study evaluated the existence of Chatbots in engineering education fraternity by carrying out a literature-based review method focusing 2011 until recent. The findings of the study revealed that Chatbots were spotted as early as 2008 within the engineering education. It continued to make headways in various engineering modules such as Thermodynamics, Design Engineering, as well as in the administration of teaching and learning itself. In conclusion, the challenges and concerns associated with AI chatbots in education underscore the need for a nuanced and balanced approach. Ethical considerations, including data privacy and algorithmic bias, must be carefully navigated.