How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Teaching & Learning

It’s almost too simplistic to say artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but it very nearly is—and education is high on the list of fields where AI could be a game-changer. Teachers are already experimenting with using AI to personalize lessons for each student. It might someday take the test-scoring burden off of busy educators, or help deliver customized, on-the-fly instruction to learners with different abilities. The list goes on.

But there are challenges in introducing AI in educational settings. First and foremost: students should leverage the benefits of AI but should not use it to replace their own learning and thinking (or essay-writing!). Another issue is whether the digital divide could keep some students from accessing or understanding how to benefit from AI. And as with other technological solutions, there can be concerns about data privacy.

AI in education is a big topic, and it’s getting bigger all the time. Let’s dig in.

How is AI Used in Education Today?

AI is already "getting good grades" for some early applications in the field of education, ranging from personalized learning paths to administrative support. One example is adaptive learning systems, which use AI to tailor educational content to fit the unique learning pace and style that it senses with each student. Popularly-cited examples in this space include Knewton, DreamBox Learning, ALEKS. and Smart Sparrow.

Language translation and learning apps are another example. They've been around for a while, but AI-driven enhancements are expanding the tools' feature sets. In today's classrooms, apps are being used to speed language learning—a big help when student populations are diverse—as well as aid with pronunciation and give real-time feedback on word choice and grammar. However, educators warn that these tools should only be a supplement, not a crutch, saying that over-reliance on AI tools might actually hinder language learning progress.

Another popular AI-in-education topic is intelligent tutoring technology. These AI-driven platforms can provide instant feedback and support to students when teachers aren't available, making them particularly helpful with difficult topics where learners grow easily frustrated. Carnegie Learning, for example, has won acclaim for a self-paced, AI-driven math tutoring system for high school students.

Other areas where AI is expected to play a role in education in the near-term include automating administrative tasks such as grading exams (perhaps even evaluating free-form content like essays), which have traditionally occupied a lot of a teacher's time each day. AI-driven solutions might also help students register for classes in a way that keeps them on the shortest path to earning a degree, or find methods of enhancing an entire school's student class schedules and between-class movements. And students might use AI-based tools to improve their study schedules and performance.

In addition, AI is being used to develop virtual classrooms and online learning platforms—technology that's especially important in times when remote learning becomes necessary, such as happened during the global COVID pandemic. These platforms use AI to deliver interactive and engaging content, making sure students stay motivated even when learning from home. For instance, platforms like Coursera and edX use AI to recommend courses based on your earlier learning history, ensuring a tailored and effective educational experience.

AI in education today is about creating a more personalized, efficient, and engaging learning experience across all levels of education. And experts say there's more coming in the future. But before we discuss tomorrow's AI-enhanced instructional technology, let's review why AI holds so much potential for helping teachers and students everywhere.

What are the Benefits of Using AI in Education?

First and foremost, today's AI-based instructional tools enable highly personalized learning experiences. By analyzing past content and real-time data on student learning habits and progress, AI tools can adapt their lessons so no one gets overwhelmed—or under-challenged. Experts say this can boost learning outcomes, though they're quick to note the continued importance of direct teacher-to-student instruction and interaction.

For students, AI can offer personalized study aids and revision tools that adapt to their learning style. These can be helpful for exam preparation, providing targeted practice questions on topics and areas where the AI senses each student needs the most help. A word of caution: over-reliance on AI could hinder development of problem-solving skills. And the temptation to use AI-based tools to cut corners on homework and writing assignments should not be overlooked.

An often overlooked benefit is the accessibility AI provides, as AI-driven tools offer new kinds of support to students with disabilities, breaking down barriers to learning and ensuring inclusivity. For instance, voice recognition and text-to-speech technology can help young students with vision or reading difficulties. At the college or university level, AI can help international students overcome language barriers with real-time translations that let them participate more fully in classroom discussions.

AI also promotes efficiency in educational settings. By automating routine tasks, it frees up valuable time for teachers so they can spend more one-on-one time with students. In some schools, AI-enhanced tools are helping to schedule parent-teacher meetings, while other schools are experimenting with using facial recognition technology to confirm daily attendance.

AI may also foster creativity in education. With AI handling the "nuts and bolts" of instruction, teachers and students can focus more of their time on thinking and problem-solving. One specific example: AI-powered tools are already allowing architecture students to experiment with new design theories and get immediate analysis on the viability of their designs, and this AI-driven feedback speeds their innovation.

What are the Challenges of Using AI in Education?

While the benefits of AI in education are impressive, it's important to acknowledge that challenges come with it. One important concern is data privacy. AI systems require access to significant amounts of data to function effectively, which raises questions about how students' and teachers' personal information is collected, stored, and used. Schools are encouraged to create and follow well defined privacy protocols to safeguard this personal data, with particular attention to protecting younger students.

For students, another challenge—or temptation—lies in the potential misuse of AI tools. By now, everyone knows that AI-based tools can be used to facilitate cheating, such as generating essay text so students don't have to write themselves, or solving mathematical problems in ways that allow students to skip the typical critical-thinking steps. Needless to say, it's important for students to use AI responsibly and ethically. There are clear and definable boundaries between assistance and academic dishonesty.

Another challenge with using AI in education is the digital divide. Not all teachers and students have equal access to the technology needed to benefit from AI-based tools—something that might only worsen existing inequalities in education globally. Fortunately, efforts are already underway to ensure that more learners, regardless of their wealth or location, can access AI-enhanced learning. Programs that provide laptops, software, and internet access to students who lack them are important, especially in locations where remote learning is prevalent.

There's also the issue of over-reliance on technology. While AI can greatly assist in educational processes, experts warn that it should not replace the human touch that many consider essential in teaching. In this sense, the important role of educators as mentors and guides isn't expected to disappear anytime soon. But at the same time, educators and institutions will need to stay up to date with the latest AI advancements so they can effectively integrate new technology into their efforts. This requires ongoing professional development and a willingness to embrace change.

How will AI Change Education in the Future?

One of the more exciting prospects is the potential for AI to offer truly personalized education on a global scale. Imagine a world where each student has access to the same top quality—but individually customized—learning experiences. Such advancements could make education more equitable, effective and engaging than ever before.

AI is also poised to enhance collaborative learning. At colleges and universities, future AI systems could facilitate virtual group projects and discussions, regardless of where each student is located. For younger students, AI-driven platforms could enable cross-cultural meetings and idea exchanges, enriching their daily learning by sharing their experiences with other kids of the same age in other countries.

It's also expected that AI will introduce new methods of assessing student comprehension and performance. Traditional exams might give way to continuous, AI-driven models that evaluate each learner's skill-development in real-time. This shift could lead to a more holistic approach to education, focusing on mastery and application of knowledge rather than just rote memorization.

Conclusion

From personalized learning experiences to enhanced accessibility and efficiency, AI brings a variety of benefits. It's a big topic, and it's not just a futuristic one. AI is already here and it's changing how we teach and learn.

Yet as we embrace these advancements, it is essential to address the challenges they present. AI-based educational tools should be secure to ensure data privacy. They should be equally accessible, regardless of a student's wealth or location on the globe. And they should always complement, not replace, the human aspect of person-to-person instruction.