Photo by: Mikael BlomkvistIt counts all revolutionizing industrial realms. And the field of education is not omitted. AI has altered teaching methods, and given the pace with which technology is advancing, it was only safe to assume that AI would transform education. More comprehensively stated, let us go through the benefits of ai in education in teachers, students, and educational institutions.
What is Artificial Intelligence in education?
But first of all, what is AI in education? Before going to its pros, let’s quickly explore what the education sector uses AI technology for. AI is the intelligence displayed by machines in performing tasks frequently performed by humans such as learning, problem-solving, or adapting to change. Applying AI technology in education include: intelligent tutoring systems, personalised learning platforms, automation of administrative activities, coordination of virtual assistants with students and teachers.
1. Experiences of Learning Curated for the Individual
Another notable benefit AI brings to education is the ability to create a more individual approach to learning. Classroom teaching practices tend to be orthodox and homogeneous in most schools and fail to address the better learning styles and pace of the students. With the help of AI it is possible to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the learner and even their learning style and modify the content accordingly. This means learning becomes more student centred since students are now able to decide what pace to learn depending on the support level they require and how fast they can increase their own level of understanding on whatever they naturally work through.
For example, Smart Sparrow and DreamBox Learning offer an AI-driven learning experience that allows students to customise their lessons based on how well they are performing in class at a broad level.
2. Optimising Administrative Tasks for Efficiency
Grading of students, managing class and student schedules as well as taking care of student files are some of the mind numbing work that students, teachers, and administration have to deal with daily. Educators stand to benefit by automating mundane chores, as AI is capable of performing such functions. Gradescope, for instance, allows students to upload work for automatic marking, reducing workload for teachers. In this way, they can spend more time with students or even provide personalised lectures.
Also, aside from being able to gather data from students’ day's work, AI powered bots may offer as much as tracking class schedules and other class relevant questions that students may encounter during the semester.
3. Improved Student Participation
It isn't any mystery that taking pictures of the eyes of students is not any walk within the park. With a lot of information at a scholar’s fingertips, attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter with each new era. Herein, AI comes into play whereby students can be able to learn in an engaging and fun manner and automatically be more focused on the topic at hand.
To enhance student engagement, there are many tools that can facilitate this such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality(AR) which can allow learners to experience real life scenarios such as distant places or events. Moreover, educational and other interactive fun games which are driven by AI technology can also help students grasp concepts better.
4. Support for Students with Disabilities
There’s no question that the instructional world is broad and numerous, and at times it may be tough for a few students to address the needs of it. And Artificial Intelligence however does not discriminate. So in cases where possible, AI will be a key addition to the fight to make education more accessible for students with disabilities.
For instance, AI pencils can help children with dyslexia read by narrating the written text, Bookshare offers a plethora of other mixed content to help visually impaired students. Moreover, voice-recognition software can assist students with speech impairment while people translating real-time can assist students learning a new language. This ensures that all students regardless of their strengths or weaknesses are able to acquire the knowledge.
5. Data Analytics in Education for Informed Insights
One of the greatest advantages of AI in education is the insight it provides teachers in the form of data analytics reports. AI is able to study student performance statistics in one or a few subjects and predict a trend, which can facilitate understanding of deficiencies which students may be experiencing. This means, pupils can also be empowered with the relevant and appropriate help across the board, as well as make the necessary amendments to lessons for future pupils more efficiently.
Furthermore, owing to predictive analytics, students who have a tendency to fail can be identified sooner to avoid dropping out of school. In this way, timely help can be rendered to students which would eventually lead to greater retention rates in schools.
6. Education on a Global Scale Without Barriers of A Classroom Setting
Students all over the world have been given the opportunity to learn with the help of AI aided tools that have virtually no boundaries. Students can interact with instructors around the world on global educational networks and virtual classrooms. This has been made even more critical by the COVID-19 pandemic that inhibited face-to-face classes.
Moreover, AI could provide on-the-spot translation of languages, disgracing the language barrier and allowing the students to learn from classes in different languages. This facilitates global education and development by encouraging every culture to exchange its knowledge with one another.
7. Smart Content Creation
Generating educational content is a rather tiresome task, but AI can at least automate the generation of smart content. For instance, textbooks can be turned into detailed study guides, key points, or flashcards by Artificial Intelligence. It also assists in the setting of quizzes and practice exams that correspond with a learner’s targets.
AI-powered tools are even capable of creating study materials according to a particular student’s requirements to ensure that they use the most relevant ones.
8. Real-Time Feedback and Assessment
Traditional evaluations are usually based on time frames, periods, periodic tests and exams so as to be able to measure how learners have understood a certain concept which leaves a lot of desirable shifts to be identified at the end. Ratings and appreciation can be given in real-time while using AI allowing for evaluations of the student and their effectiveness during a lesson.
As a case in point, when students are using AI-based tutoring systems and they are having a hard time grasping a particular concept, they are able to be assisted almost at the same time. This is not only good for students in understanding the concepts better but also in ensuring that they do not lag behind.
Conclusion
In the educational domain, Artificial Intelligence has started restructuring the means and modes of education. From designing individual learning best-suited for a student to automating administrative work, AI in education has lots of positive aspects and consequences. Technology is expected to continue to grow in importance for improving the quality and increasing the availability of education and training.
However, concerns about privacy and ethics of AI in education also need to be dealt with, such as how data is used, the role of AI tools in education and the role of teachers in education and economy in general.
FAQs
Q: In what ways could AI assist instructors inside the classroom?
A: By automating grading and providing the teachers with insights on student engagement and other performance indicators, the network is able to give real time feedback to the students and relieves the teachers to put more focus on the students and for personalised teachings.
Q: How about students’ privacy using AI in education, is it safe?
A: There are a lot of drawbacks yet to sort out AI applications, however, it's highly recommended to employ precise measures regarding data security since students’ privacy is fundamental to functioning schools and edtech. Implementing protective measures and research further obligations will guarantee appropriate data protection and address ethical matters.
Q: Do you anticipate replacing the teachers with AI?
A: Certainly not. Teachers are the core and AI is created to support them. AI can perform a number of tedious activities and provide a tailored approach but there are many things which require humans such as comprehension of student’s emotions, creativity, and guidance.