Generative AI is opening up new frontiers in online education, enabling more interactive, personalized, and efficient learning experiences. Our team recently collaborated with a leading provider of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) test preparation to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into their WordPress-based platform. This post delves into how we leveraged Procesio as a middleware layer to orchestrate multiple AI services, transforming the way students prepare for exams like TOEFL and Duolingo’s DET.

The Client’s Vision

Our client, a major player in the ESL test prep market, offers comprehensive practice materials and simulations for high-stakes language proficiency exams. They sought to harness the power of generative AI to provide a more immersive and adaptive learning experience, while also streamlining their content creation and feedback processes.

Key goals included:

• Simulating a wide range of question types, including speech and image-based prompts
• Generating high-quality, diverse practice content at scale
• Providing instant, personalized feedback on student responses
• Optimizing teacher workflows with AI-assisted grading and insights

To achieve this ambitious vision, we needed to integrate multiple AI capabilities seamlessly into their existing WordPress learning management system (LMS).

The Procesio Advantage

We architected a solution using Procesio, a specialized API middleware layer, to connect the client’s WordPress LMS with a suite of best-in-class AI services:

• OpenAI’s Whisper for speech-to-text transcription
• ElevenLabs for text-to-speech generation
• OpenAI’s GPT-4 for text generation and evaluation
• Anthropic’s Claude for contextual Q&A assistance
• OpenAI’s DALL-E for image generation

Procesio provided a unified interface to manage credentials, orchestrate complex workflows, and handle data transformations across these diverse AI services. This abstraction layer allowed us to focus on designing the optimal user experience while minimizing the complexity of integrating multiple APIs.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Here’s a deep dive into one of the most innovative features we developed: AI-powered “Write about the Photo” questions.

1. Content Generation:

• Used GPT-4 to generate image prompts and accompanying descriptions for a set of practice questions
• Bulk uploaded questions to WordPress LMS using CSV import

1. Image Generation:

• For each new question, called Procesio to generate unique images using DALL-E
• Procesio returned image assets and their descriptions, updating them on the WordPress site

1. Student Experience:

• When a student attempts a “Write about the Photo” question, they see an AI-generated image and write a description
• Student’s response is sent to GPT-4 along with the image and its pre-generated description

1. AI Evaluation:

• GPT-4 evaluates the student’s response using fine-tuned prompts and multi-step analysis
• Procesio validates the AI-generated feedback and returns it to WordPress
• Student receives instant, personalized feedback on their response

This end-to-end workflow, powered by Procesio and multiple AI services, provides an unparalleled learning experience that closely simulates real test conditions.

Impact and Learnings

The AI-powered features had a significant impact on student experience and operational efficiency:

• Students found the AI-generated practice content to be highly engaging and effective for exam preparation
• Instant, personalized feedback boosted student confidence and motivation
• Teachers reported substantial time savings and improved ability to focus on higher-level student support
• Content creation process became more efficient and scalable with AI assistance

Key takeaways for AI integration in online education:

1. Generative AI can create highly engaging, personalized learning experiences when integrated thoughtfully
2. A middleware layer like Procesio is essential for managing the complexity of multiple AI services
3. Prompt engineering and fine-tuning are critical for adapting AI to specific educational use cases
4. Human oversight and validation are still necessary for high-stakes applications like test prep
5. AI has the potential to greatly enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency in online learning

Conclusion

Our case study showcases the transformative impact of generative AI in ESL test preparation when integrated seamlessly into platforms like WordPress. By leveraging Procesio to orchestrate a diverse set of AI capabilities, we were able to create a truly adaptive, immersive, and efficient learning experience.

As generative AI continues to evolve, we believe it will become an increasingly essential tool for educators looking to personalize learning at scale. The key to success lies in designing robust, flexible AI integration architectures and carefully aligning the technology with pedagogical best practices. With the right approach, the possibilities are endless.

Serenichron is dedicated to proactively identifying the pressing needs of small and medium businesses and offering holistic business analysis and development services. Through our commitment to fairness, transparency, and honesty, we aim to build lasting partnerships and provide scalable, affordable solutions that enhance our clients’ operations and contribute to their success.

Vlad and his team have definitely identified a global challenge in the use and maintenance of WordPress. Having multiple sites with a multitude of plugins quickly results in non-productive time lost and costs wasted. As an investor and startup coach, I believe in the business model, the technology, and the huge opportunity he will be able to grab after investing in good marketing.

Jaco Fok – CEO @ Equalifai Me SRL

Serenichron

Serenichron is a company that offers a wide range of digital services to help you grow your business, optimize your processes, and enhance your online presence. Whether you need operational support, technical development, web content, copywriting, SEO, analytics, branding, digital content and design, web design, lead acquisition, email marketing, or marketing research, we have the expertise and the experience to deliver high-quality results.

• Operational Services
  We provide operational, clerical, administrative, and support services to help you run your business smoothly and efficiently. We can handle tasks such as data entry, scheduling, invoicing, customer service, and more. If your company’s needs are bigger, we also offer operational management guidelines and suggestions to help you streamline your workflows, improve your productivity, and reduce your costs.
  
• Technical Development Services
  We provide a holistic analysis of your current website development and we provide improvement plans while also executing the implementation. We can help you with aspects such as functionality, usability, security, performance, and scalability. We use the latest technologies and best practices to ensure that your website meets your expectations and your customers’ needs.
  
• Process Creation Services
  We analyze your internal processes, identify bottlenecks and other slow-moving processes and we suggest and implement edits and improvements. We can help you with areas such as project management, quality assurance, communication, collaboration, and documentation. We use proven methodologies and tools to help you optimize your processes and achieve your goals.
  
• Web Content Services
  We evaluate, edit, and create various types of posts for your website. We can help you with content such as blog posts, articles, case studies, testimonials, FAQs, and more. We also specialize in creating web courses that can help you educate your audience, showcase your expertise, and generate revenue. We use SEO-friendly, engaging, and informative content that can attract and retain your visitors.
  
• Copywriting Services
  We create general copies, technical copies, and sales copies that can be used not only for your website content, but as emails, and other promotional online or offline materials. We can help you with copywriting such as headlines, slogans, taglines, landing pages, sales pages, newsletters, brochures, flyers, and more. We use persuasive, clear, and compelling copy that can capture your audience’s attention, convey your message, and motivate them to take action.
  
• SEO Services
  We provide a deep-dive-in analysis of your website SEO performance while also providing general improvement plans. We can help you with SEO aspects such as keyword research, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, technical SEO, and local SEO. We use data-driven, ethical, and effective SEO strategies that can boost your website’s ranking, traffic, and conversions.
  
• Analytics Services
  We set up analytic systems (Google Analytics, Hotjar, On-site surveys), review analytics periodically, suggest business improvements based on analytic insights, and help you better understand your audience. We can help you with analytics such as web analytics, user behavior analytics, customer feedback analytics, and more. We use reliable, accurate, and actionable analytics that can help you measure your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and make informed decisions.
  
• Branding Services
  We analyze your current brand and upon your request, we collaborate to better define it using a five-step method that is going to help you in creating a clear and outstanding story that supports your brand. We can help you with branding aspects such as vision, mission, values, personality, and voice. We use creative, consistent, and memorable branding that can help you differentiate yourself from your competitors, build trust and loyalty with your customers, and increase your brand awareness and recognition.
  
• Digital Content & Digital Design Services
  We edit and create branded PDF documents and other freebie materials, audio files, or other types of presentations for your website or other platforms. We can help you with digital content and design such as ebooks, reports, guides, checklists, podcasts, webinars, and more. We use professional, attractive, and valuable digital content and design that can help you showcase your expertise, provide value to your audience, and generate leads.
  
• Web Design Services
  We evaluate, offer suggestions, and create web designs on your demand. We also cover your design maintenance and bug fixes, when needed. We can help you with web design aspects such as layout, color scheme, typography, images, icons, and more. We use responsive, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing web design that can help you create a positive first impression, enhance your user experience, and increase your conversions.
  
• Lead Acquisition Services
  We set up new lead acquisition funnels, optimize lead acquisition strategy, and set up software and forms for your website or other platforms. We can help you with lead acquisition aspects such as lead magnets, landing pages, opt-in forms, email marketing, and more. We use strategic, targeted, and effective lead acquisition methods that can help you attract, capture, and nurture your leads.
  
• Email Marketing Services
  We create and set up email automation while also providing maintenance services and edits of your existing email marketing campaigns. We can help you with email marketing aspects such as email list building, email content creation, email design, email delivery, email testing, and email analytics. We use engaging, personalized, and relevant email marketing that can help you communicate with your audience, build relationships, and increase your sales.

Conclusion

Serenichron is your partner for digital excellence. We offer a wide range of digital services that can help you grow your business, optimize your processes, and enhance your online presence. We have the expertise and the experience to deliver high-quality results that meet your expectations and your customers’ needs. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you. Thank you for your attention.

Now, this works on Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS, and I hope I didn’t forget anything, but here we go:

# Let's install GDebi because dependencies
sudo apt install gdebi
# and now VSCode (get the current version from https://code.visualstudio.com/download)
sudo gdebi Downloads/code_1.60.2-1632313585_amd64.deb
# unfortunately, this terminal doesn't seem inclined to remember we installed ZSH
sudo apt install zsh
# we'll need curl for this next one
sudo apt install curl
# and ohmyzsh
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
# now time for some terminal goodness
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-syntax-highlighting.git $ZSH_CUSTOM/plugins/zsh-syntax-highlighting
# it's composer time
clear
# because php, of course
sudo apt install php
php -r "copy('https://getcomposer.org/installer', 'composer-setup.php');"
php -r "if (hash_file('sha384', 'composer-setup.php') === '906a84df04cea2aa72f40b5f787e49f22d4c2f19492ac310e8cba5b96ac8b64115ac402c8cd292b8a03482574915d1a8') { echo 'Installer verified'; } else { echo 'Installer corrupt'; unlink('composer-setup.php'); } echo PHP_EOL;"
php composer-setup.php
php -r "unlink('composer-setup.php');"
sudo mv composer.phar /usr/local/bin/composer
# you might need this for composer globals to run
export PATH=~/.config/composer/vendor/bin:$PATH >> ~/.zshrc
# wp-cli
curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/wp-cli/builds/gh-pages/phar/wp-cli.phar
php wp-cli.phar --info
chmod +x wp-cli.phar
sudo mv wp-cli.phar /usr/local/bin/wp
wp --info
# let's cleanup
sudo apt autoremove
# it's Homebrew time
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
# and add the shellenv to .zshrc
echo 'eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zshrc
# and enable it for this session
eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
# now the goodies
brew install roots/tap/trellis-cli
brew install python
brew install mariadb
brew install gcc && sudo apt install build-essential
# let's start the MySql server now
mysql.server start
# Valet, baby
# but before that, another dependency
sudo apt install php-curl
# now
composer global require cpriego/valet-linux
# more Valet dependencies
sudo apt-get install network-manager libnss3-tools jq xsel
sudo apt install php-cli php-curl php-mbstring php-xml php-zip
# doing this shit because mcrypt has gone missing
sudo apt install php php-pear php-dev libmcrypt-dev
sudo pecl channel-update pecl.php.net
sudo pecl update-channels
sudo pecl search mcrypt
sudo pecl install mcrypt
sudo echo 'extension=mcrypt' >> /etc/php/7.4/cli/php.ini
sudo apt install php-sqlite3 php-mysql php-pgsql
# almost there, squeeze tight
valet install
# and just a little bit
sudo service apache2 stop
sudo service nginx start
# and finally, Trellis-cli
brew install roots/tap/trellis-cli

Presto! If you’re lucky, you may not even encounter errors along the way. This will probably need a couple of updates.

Now we only need to run valet link domain inside whatever site folder we have running to get domain.test up in the browser, SSL self-sign it with valet secure domain, and start importing databases (or contemplating your .env file, which you’ll need).

Now, about that database. You’ll need to create a user (named according to the username in the .env file), grant it permissions over the database and all that jazz. Basically the following, replace db_user, db_name and db_password as appropriate:

Open up a terminal and run mysql.

CREATE DATABASE dbname;
CREATE USER 'dbuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON dbname.* TO 'dbuser'@'localhost';
GRANT FILE ON *.* TO 'dbuser'@'localhost';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT

Now you should be good to go to either wp db create, wp db reset or wp db import.