Comparing Human-Delivered and Tech-Based Feedback: A Study of Student Perceptions and Performance

To learn effectively, students must receive constructive feedback, and the method of its delivery—whether by a person or through technology—can significantly impact learning. As schools increasingly adopt digital technologies, it is crucial to explore how trends in feedback influence students' perceptions and academic performance. This study examines the functions of both human-delivered and technological forms of feedback within a college setting. For this mixed-methods research, 60 undergraduate students received feedback from humans and from AI over one semester. The results found that the human feedback improved by 15.9%, ahead of the tech group by 5 percentage points in the end. The interview results showed students liked receiving human advice for its easy-to-understand truths and heartfelt encouragement and they also liked the quick responses from technology. The analysis proves that using different feedback channels can considerably improve academic performance and engagement at universities. The research was designed to study the effects of different types of feedback on students' results, how students judge their usefulness, how well they understand them, and how motivated they are. The researchers compared how two undergraduate students did with different feedback methods: some got feedback from instructors, and others had feedback through an AI system in the course platform. Students were evaluated on their progress with assignment grades given over a semester. Live interviews and group conversations were conducted to learn about students' experiences with each feedback tool. It was found that both types of feedback improved students' performances. On the other hand, participants said they respected the detailed and emotional nature of human-delivered feedback and liked how tech-based feedback was quick, reliable, and easy to use. Many learners said they wanted a system where feedback is a mix of what people and technology offer. The evidence suggests that a mixed approach may have the most outstanding value in teaching. More studies should examine large-scale blended feedback techniques and their impact on student learning and development.