"I Tried a Free AI-Based Online Math Tutor and I'm So Impressed That I'll Use It for My Son."
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One of the challenges presented by voice modes in artificial intelligence is determining how to use them effectively. Often, the Advanced Voice Mode of ChatGPT is employed for tasks that would actually be quicker to complete by typing, rather than interacting verbally with a computer or phone. However, if there is a specific goal, such as math tutoring, conversation becomes a much more effective way to leverage an AI voice mode.
Recently, ElevenLabs introduced its new conversational AI agents, which operate similarly to the Advanced Voice Mode of ChatGPT or Gemini Live; you speak with the AI, and it responds in a fluid conversational style, akin to human dialogue but focused on specific tasks. The default agents that ElevenLabs initially offers are designed for math tutoring, customer support, and video game characters. Additionally, it allows users to create a custom agent from scratch to meet any particular needs.
In relation to math, a parallel can be drawn to what Albert Einstein said about pure mathematics as a form of poetry of logical ideas. Despite my initial doubts about whether I could truly enhance my math skills through a conversation with an AI, I must say I was impressed by Matilda, ElevenLabs' default math agent.
Recently, my son has been learning about similar figures in class and how to use scaling factors to find missing line lengths between them, so I decided to ask Matilda about it. Within seconds, she selected some examples and guided me to calculate a missing scaling factor, all without having to write anything down on a piece of paper. Just like in ChatGPT's Advanced Mode, Matilda can be interrupted, so there’s no need to wait for her to finish speaking to add more input.
Regarding learning visual concepts, such as graphs, Matilda demonstrated that she was not concerned about the lack of graph paper and began to explain the formula for calculating the slope of a line based on two points (x,y).
One of the great advantages of ElevenLabs' AI agents is that they can be tried for free. By creating a free account, users receive 10,000 credits per month, which allows for 20 minutes of math tutoring at a rate of 500 credits per minute. There is also an Entry level option for $5 a month, which provides one hour of use, while the next level, Creator, offers 200 monthly minutes for $22, with a 50% discount for the first month.
To get started, one must visit the ElevenLabs website and create an account. Once logged in, from the dashboard, click on "Agents" in the left column and select "Create Agent." Options will appear for Blank Template, Support Agent, Math Tutor, and Video Game Character. By choosing "Math Tutor" and clicking "Create agent," you can customize the agent by selecting its voice, the first message, and colors. When ready, click the black "Test AI Agent" button to begin the conversation.
While some may wonder if this could be done in ChatGPT, the difference lies in that ElevenLabs' math tutor is entirely focused on math teaching, offering a more direct and precise approach, unlike ChatGPT, which has had certain limitations in this area. Nonetheless, OpenAI claims that its latest model, ChatGPT-4, has improved in mathematics, so it might also be interesting to give it a try.
