AI is emerging in many aspects of our daily lives. AI has not yet made crazy big waves but it is quietly becoming ubiquitous. From the intelligent sensors that improve our photographs, to the automatic parking features in cars, to the sometimes frustrating personal assistants on our phones, AI of one kind or another is now all around us. Education is one area where there are a range of emerging and potential applications.
Teachthought has developed a set of 10 areas where AI may assist in the classroom.
AI can automate basic activities like grading. For teachers the constant grind of grading can be soul destroying and time consuming. Time that could be better used in preparation or individual assistance. Whilst it may be some time before AI can replace human grading there are areas where it can automate grading. For example multiple choice, fill in the blanks etc. Essay grading software is in its infancy however it is improving.
Educational software can be adapted to student needs. The application of individualized learning programs is emerging in apps like Duolingo, the online language learning program. The system can respond to the progress of the individual student and help the student learn at their own pace. The Khan academy is a nonprofit that provides a number of online courses to those in need where learning is driven individually by student need.
AI can highlight where courses need to improve. Teachers may not always be aware of the gaps in a course of learning (particularly new courses). AI can provide analysis and feedback on the way the students learn and perform allowing structured intervention in order to improve learning and fill in the holes in teaching. The feedback and improvement loop for the teacher and student can be shortened.
Students can get additional support from AI tutors. China is leading the way with the development of Squirrel AI, an algorithm that curates lessons for the individual student. Students work individually, guided by the system. Teachers can watch progress and resolve issues where the student is stuck and the AI is unable to assist as needed.
Chinese researchers in this area have masses of data at their disposal to train and refine their algorithms. Data quantity and quality is critical in AI development.
AI driven programs can give students and educators helpful feedback. Many schools with online offerings are using AI systems to monitor student progress and to alert teachers where there might be an issue with student performance. This system helps the individual improve and gives feedback to the teacher on areas where instruction might need to be improved. Some of these systems can be developed to help students pick major areas for study.
AI is altering how we find and interact with information. We rarely notice the AI systems that affect the information that we seek and find on a daily basis. Intelligent systems play a big role in how we interact with information. They will play a growing role in schools and academia in the future. The experience of doing research, will be vastly different for students in the future.
AI will most likely change the role of teachers. There will always be a role for teachers however that role will change as technology develops. As AI takes over tasks such as grading, tutoring and provision of basic course materials the teaching role will shift to one of expert facilitation. Teachers will supplement lessons, assist students who are struggling and provide human interaction. The focus can return to individual assistance rather than class teaching.
AI can make trial and error learning less intimidating. Trial and error is a critical part of learning however for some the idea of failing or having a wrong answer can be crippling. Many don’t like being put on the spot in a classroom situation. An intelligent computer system designed to help students learn through trial and error is much less daunting. AI could allow students to learn in a judgement free environment.
Data powered by AI can change how schools find, teach and support students. Smart data gathering, powered by AI, is already making changes to how colleges interact with prospective and current students. From recruiting to helping students choose the best or most appropriate courses, AI systems can tailor every part of the college experience more closely tailored to student need.
AI will change where students learn, who teaches them and how they acquire basic skills. Using AI systems, software and support, students can learn from anywhere in the world, at any time. AI may replace teachers in some instances. The learning experience of the future is likely to be more dispersed and varied.
Technology is rapidly changing education. Austrade has an interesting website outlining many of the advances being developed in Australia.
So what will we do once AI has taught us everything that we need to know? Maybe we can all go and learn pottery.
Paying it Forward
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Till next week.