For many children, reading aloud can be nerve-wracking. The fear of stumbling over the text, mispronouncing words and being judged for it in front of a group of peers can spike anxiety and dampen confidence. A new study by researchers from the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Wisconsin–Madison suggests a surprising ally — robots — may ease that stress.

As AI sparks concerns about whether it undermines learning and the effort required to think critically, this study might show another role machine learning could play in classrooms. Unlike generative AI tools and chatbots that are often used for cheating or to generate assignments for students, social robots may support the emotional and social aspects of learning, helping young students build c

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