Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is being researched in many fields and becoming part of our daily lives. It rapidly transforms every industry, and the educational sector is no exception. This area offers incredible potential for the application of A.I. technology. Educators and learners are all using A.I. in different ways to achieve their academic goals.
1. Why we need artificial intelligence (A.I.) in education today
Artificial intelligence in education (AIEd) aims to ensure the best result for students by using the finest attributes of teachers and machines. Because today’s students will need to work in a world where A.I. is a reality, it’s important that our educational institutions expose them to the technology and teach them how to use it.
In education, A.I. innovation has progressed from idealized laboratory scenarios to more sophisticated real-world learning settings. Though we haven’t seen teachers being officially replaced by humanoids, A.I. systems are increasingly being used to teach and guide students in online courses. Whether it’s automated tasks or creating personalized training courses based on the learner’s ability, A.I. is changing how people perceive education. It is expected that artificial intelligence in the U.S. Education will grow by 47.5% from 2017-2021 according to the Artificial Intelligence Market in the U.S. Education Sector report.
2. Artificial intelligence’s impact on education
The impact of A.I. in education depends on how learning and competence needs change, as A.I. will be widely used in society and the economy. Overall, it aims to help schools and educational institutions transform learning for the future, most notably assisting teachers in devising customized curriculum or help plans for their students. In addition, AI-powered learning techniques help teachers examine learners’ grasping power and reasoning capabilities, as it differs from one student to another.
In the context of tailored education, which is one of A.I.’s strong points in this matter, machines can grasp our preference in learning. It collects data from our online interaction and can figure out what method is most suitable. It knows the pace at which we digest information, what content that we are most likely to engage with. As a result, A.I. will ensure a personalized learning journey.
3. Roles for artificial intelligence in education
A future where A.I. application in education is more widespread should be beneficial to students and teachers. Most notably, they will have access to personalized course materials anywhere, anytime. With traditional schooling, students are expected to be at the same pace with each other under a given, fixed curriculum, then only to be crammed into an exam hall for the final test. Below we will address some more roles for AIEd in detail.
3.1. Grading automation
Many find grading tests and homework time-consuming while there’s so much else to be done such as engaging with students, preparing materials or working on professional development. Fortunately, artificial intelligence can now automate basic grading tasks.
While A.I. may never be able to completely replace human grading, it is getting close. Many kinds of tests can now be graded automatically, and the automated grading of writing tests may not be far behind. Essay-grading software is still being worked on and not yet perfected, but it may improve in the coming years and give teachers more free time to focus on in-class interactions.
3.2. Educational softwares opted for student needs.
One of the most significant ways artificial intelligence will impact education is through higher levels of individualized learning from kindergarten through graduate school because of the expanding amount of adaptive learning programs, games, and software available. These systems adjust to the student’s demands, emphasizing specific topics, repeating items that students haven’t understood, and overall assisting students in working at their own pace, whatever that may be.
For students having disabilities like deafness or visual impairment, emerging A.I. technologies also open up new chances for learning as they can gain access to education more easily.
3.3. Identifying needed improvements in courses
Teachers may not know of the gaps in their lectures and educational materials that cause students to be confused about particular subjects. Artificial intelligence provides a solution to this issue.
This is something that Coursera, a massive open online course provider, is already doing. For example, when a high number of students submit incorrect answers to a homework assignment, the system notifies the teacher and sends students a personalized message with advice on how to correct the answers.
3.4. Personalized help from A.I. tutors.
Outside of the classroom, A.I. will provide individual tutoring for students when they need to solidify some knowledge prior to an evaluation. Not to mention these tutors are great time-savers for teachers and parents.
While there are some advanced learning methods that only human tutors can provide, at least for the time being, the future may see more students being educated by “binary tutors”. Artificial intelligence-based tutoring applications currently exist and may assist well enough with basic math, writing, and other topics.
3.5. Provide helpful feedback to students and teachers.
A.I. can not only assist professors and students in creating courses that are tailored to their specific needs, but it can also provide feedback on the course’s overall success. A.I. systems are being used by some colleges, particularly those with online programs, to track student progress and alert teachers when there is a problem with a student’s performance.
These A.I. systems enable students to receive the assistance they require, as well as helping teachers identify areas where they can simplify for those who might be struggling, from that they would also be able to provide more accurate advice on major selection to future enrollees.
3.6. 24/7 Access To Learning
Students can always learn thanks to online-based A.I. assistants. They can arrange their days without being tied to a specific location. They can study at any location and at any time. They can even create a schedule around their most productive hours.
3.7. Shifting the role of teachers towards facilitators.
Teachers will always have a part in education, but the nature of that function and what it includes may alter as a result of new technology. As mentioned earlier, A.I. systems may perform automated grading, assist students in improving their learning, and even serve as a substitute for in-person tutoring.
In times when A.I. softwares could provide a more in-depth knowledge base, teachers would supplement A.I. lessons by assisting students who are struggling, providing human interaction and hands-on experiences. In many ways, technology is already implementing some of these changes in the classroom, especially in online classes. Slowly, A.I. could replace the teacher’s position with that of a facilitator.
3.8. Making trial-and-error learning less daunting.
Although trial and error is an important aspect of learning, many students are terrified of failing or simply not knowing the answer. Some people dislike being put on the spot in front of their peers or authority figures such as their teachers. With the aid of A.I., they can simply type out a question for a personal virtual assistant and get an instant explanation. A computer system that is designed to support students in those particular circumstances can make it less stressful for them, which also means more enthusiasm to study.
3.9. Changing how schools find, teach, and support students through data mining.
Colleges are already changing how they communicate with potential and current students thanks to smart data collection backed by clever computer systems. From recruiting to assisting students in selecting the finest courses, intelligent computer systems are tailoring every aspect of the college experience to the interests of these learners.
3.10. Producing Smart Content
Digital lessons: A.I. can generate digital learning interfaces with customizable options, digital textbooks, small guides and lessons.
Information visualization: New ways of learning through visualization, simulation, web-based study environments can be facilitated with the aid of A.I. technology
Content updates: A.I. can keep the information regarding lessons up to date and customize it for different learning interests.
4. Conclusion
A.I. has contributed to the integration of tools that help develop skills and testing systems. Many are hoping that A.I. solutions can facilitate the teaching and learning process, at the same time enable them to improve efficiency, personalization and streamline administrative tasks.
All of this is wonderful news for educators, as A.I. can be a valuable ally. However, some educators are concerned that artificial intelligence will eventually take over the job of teachers. This is not true because, while A.I. algorithms can teach literacy and math, the more complicated impartation of social and emotional skills will always be the domain of people.
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