Why a Virtual Co-Op?

Abstract

Athabasca University's Faculty of Business (AU-FB) has introduced a new virtual co-operative program to provide targeted work experience. The virtual co-op responds in part to the charge that new university graduates lack work-readiness and the needed professional soft skills to succeed in workplaces, as well as the reduction in onsite work placements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual co-op uses artificial intelligence in the form of natural language understanding, allowing students to engage with AI characters as they solve problems using disciplinary knowledge and practicing professional skills. They are provided with just-in-time coaching support when they fail and progress reports on how well they respond to challenges when interacting with others to solve workplace problems and complete projects. Work settings offered to students are either a financial service or a digital business transformation consulting organization setting.