New Study by Media Education Lab Highlights Promise of Scalable Learning’s AI-Powered Learning Modules
Pilot study demonstrates that innovative technology helps students examine multiple perspectives and recognize bias in polarized media environment.
Chicago, IL – November 25, 2025 — A new working paper from the Media Education Lab released today provides results from a pilot study examining BOSILOS (Bust Open the Silos), an innovative AI-supported learning module developed by Scalable Learning, LLC. The module helps students navigate partisan media and practice perspective-taking in politically polarized environments.
The study, conducted with 16 undergraduate students at California State University, Channel Islands, found that the interactive module successfully engaged students in critically examining media bias while developing their ability to communicate across ideological divides.
Key Findings:
Students consistently reported high engagement with the AI-powered platform, finding it intuitive and easy to use. The module proved particularly effective at prompting reflection on personal bias and the challenges of perspective-taking. Notably, students demonstrated improved ability to craft conservative counterarguments when responding to liberal-leaning content on immigration, suggesting the tool's potential for building rhetorical flexibility.
"BOSILOS succeeded in engaging students in the complex work of identifying bias, adopting new perspectives, and considering rhetorical strategies for reaching audiences with different political views," the research team noted.
How It Works:
The BOSILOS module places students in the role of "Designated Opposition" responders, asking them to analyze partisan media coverage of topics like climate change and immigration, then craft thoughtful responses aimed at opposing audiences. The system provides real-time, personalized feedback through carefully designed AI prompts, helping students refine their arguments and consider different audience perspectives.
Unlike free-form chatbots, BOSILOS uses structured AI integration where the software orchestrates content delivery, feedback timing, and response evaluation to ensure pedagogically sound and repeatable learning experiences.
Broader Implications:
The pilot demonstrates how AI can be embedded directly into instructional design to provide personalized coaching at scale—addressing what researcher Benjamin Bloom identified as the challenge of bringing individualized tutoring benefits to group learning contexts.
"This represents a major technological shift," said David Foster of Scalable Learning. "Generative AI now makes it possible to deliver personalized coaching far more flexibly and at a fraction of the cost of traditional computer-based tutoring systems."
Future iterations will test the module with larger, more diverse student populations.
About the Study:
The pilot was conducted in summer 2025 with students enrolled in "Media Literacy and Youth Culture" at California State University, Channel Islands. Researchers collected data through student writing samples, think-aloud protocols, reflective essays, and post-activity surveys.
Access the full working paper: "Bust Open the Silos (BOSILOS): A Pilot Study of AI-Supported Media Literacy in Higher Education".
About Scalable Learning:
Scalable Learning LLC is an educational technology innovator specializing in AI-powered personalized learning experiences. The company combines generative AI with evidence-based instructional design to deliver scalable, effective learning solutions for critical 21st-century skills. Learn more at scalablelearning.net.
About Media Education Lab:
The Media Education Lab is a public benefit corporation that advances the practice of media literacy education through leadership development, research and scholarship, and community engagement. Learn more at mediaeducationlab.com.
