Looking for information on the role of artificial intelligence in education? Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a hot topic today in meeting rooms, including school staffrooms.
Did you know your students may be using AI tools to do homework? In fact, you’re also here because of AI.
A lot can be done in teaching-learning using Artificial Intelligence. Interested to know more? This article will cover the role of AI in education in detail– current applications, pros, cons, and upcoming future. Let’s start with the meaning of artificial intelligence in the context of education.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of education means using computers and machines for learning, analyzing large sets of educational data, and solving education-related problems.
Here’s an example to make AI in education simpler for you-
When you look for ‘Science activities for Class 2’ on YouTube, its AI algorithm checks all the videos and shows you the best videos that match your requirements.
UNICEF (Policy Guidance on AI for Children, 2021) defines Artificial Intelligence as
“Machine-based systems that can, given a set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations or decisions that influence real or virtual environments.”
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The traditional classrooms were teacher-centered. Teachers transmitted information and students received it. When you were in school, you studied what the teacher taught, did homework, gave exams, and passed to the next class. But teachers have now adopted a modern and interactive approach to teaching-learning.
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Artificial Intelligence is playing an important role in the education sector globally. After NEP 2019, CBSE introduced AI-focused pedagogy in the curriculum from classes 6 to 12. Teachers are being trained in using AI tools to enhance the teaching-learning process.
AI in education can solve many core problems- lack of qualified educators, student underachievement, and the growing learning gaps between rich and poor learners (Council of Europe, 2022).
Can you imagine the growing role of artificial intelligence in the Indian education system? You’ll be surprised to know the uses of AI in education:
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Look at these advantages of artificial intelligence in the education field-
You can find the learning gaps and needs of students using AI tools. Then you can customize learning content and do remedial teaching.
You can instantly record and send verbal feedback on online assignments and tests. E-learning courses have the option to retake formative evaluations to improve scores.
With AI technology, learners can study any subject/course from any part of the world. You can also take teacher professional development courses. (hyperlink to indic courses).
AI has made education accessible and inclusive to all.
Paper checking, grading, and evaluation are automated with AI tools.
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AI in education also has some risks. Stakeholders can face these challenges with artificial intelligence in education:
A 2021 study at King’s College (UK) reveals that 49% of people feel their attention span has shortened.
Being online can put students and teachers at risk. Bots can steal important student and school data.
Robots and machines don’t have an emotional connection. Using AI technology in education reduces interaction with teachers and peers.
Algorithms can make mistakes in analyzing student data and checking responses.
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You’ll be blown away by the current application of AI in education. Take a look at some real-world examples of Artificial intelligence in the education space.
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Schools and educational institutions are using AI tools for administration, making timetables, tracking student attendance, and homework (UNESCO publication, 2021).
Ed chatbots like Ada and Deakin Genie are used in student admissions, answering questions, providing 24×7 assistance, feedback, and tutoring.
OU Analyze (Open University, UK) and Swift E-learning (India) analyze student data to create personalized learning courses.
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Students use AI tools in education to access learning resources. Schools use AI for the continuous assessment of students.
AutoTutor (University of Memphis) and Watson Tutor (IBM & Pearson) talk to students like live teachers.
Turnitin and WriteToLearn are writing assessment tools that give feedback to students on their writing to improve their writing skills.
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AI systems save teachers’ time and reduce workload.
In the US, teachers use AI tools to send emails and reply to student messages (Goel and Polepeddi, 2017).
Schools in China use an AI-Human teacher model, where an AI system helps teachers in giving lectures and monitor students.
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Learners with disabilities use AI technology for teaching-learning to give examinations from home.
AI-created online portfolios are used by students for job applications and record keeping of their learning experiences and achievements.
Goggle-eyed by these latest examples of artificial intelligence in teaching-learning? You’ll be jaw-dropped reading the predicted role of AI in the field of education.
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By 2024, Artificial Intelligence in education will be worth $6 billion (UNESCO, 2021). UNESCO expects AI in education to help reach its 2030 goal of high-quality inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Read how Artificial intelligence will impact classrooms in the coming years.
Schools and colleges will use AI for education to develop values, and cognitive and vocational skills (UNESCO-UNEVOC, 2021).
Singapore schools are using robots to teach programming and STEM subjects to kindergartners. AI for education will help in developing and teaching future STEM courses (Schiff, D., 2020).
More AI tools for education are in development to help students read, write, and speak multiple languages.
That leads to the latest talk of the town- viral AI chatbots: ChatGPT and Google Bard.
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AI chatbots– ChatGPT and Google Bard are changing how students learn. ChatGPT is an AI tool with which students can write essays, poetry, and long-form answers. Teachers and students can research topics with ChatGPT.
Bard, Google’s AI search tool, will help students and teachers find the right answers to their questions on the web. Bard will also help students in learning grammar and language.
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Artificial Intelligence technology helps teachers save teaching hours for student learning activities (McKinsey Survey, 2018). With AI tools, you can better manage your teaching activities and classrooms.
We asked Priyank Sharma (School Transformation Researcher) about his views on AI in education, and how teaching will shape up with AI.
“You will see a lot of changes with technology…, but there are fundamentals that take a different shape yet continue to inform crucial decisions in the education space. The internet did impact teaching jobs and suddenly the gaps in the system were more visible, but the teaching remained, it’s just shaped a bit differently.
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Artificial Intelligence is changing the game in education. From personalized learning experiences and automated assessment to time-saving tools, AI is making things better for both teachers and students. It’s up to you to smartly use AI tools in your classroom. It’s also important that you guide your students to ethically and safely use AI technology. The possibilities of artificial intelligence in education are endless and exciting.
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