Artificial intelligence is transforming the world in many ways, and education is no exception. Intelligent systems have the potential to hugely enrich education and widen global access by delivering personalized tuition to every household with a smartphone. However, machine learning also carries risks, such as the potential for indoctrination, data privacy issues, and ethical dilemmas. In this article, we will explore the opportunities and challenges of using AI in education in the next decade.
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AI and Personalized Learning
One of the main benefits of AI in education is that it can provide personalized and adaptive learning for each student, according to their needs, preferences, and abilities. AI can analyze the data from the students’ interactions, assessments, and feedback, and tailor the content, pace, and difficulty of the lessons accordingly. AI can also offer instant feedback, guidance, and support, as well as identify the gaps and strengths of each student.
“Education is the biggest benefit that we can look for in the next few years,” said Prof Stuart Russell, a British computer scientist based at the University of California, Berkeley, before a talk at the UN’s AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. “It ought to be possible within a few years, maybe by the end of this decade, to be delivering a pretty high quality of education to every child in the world. That’s potentially transformative.”
AI and Access to Education
AI can also enable access to quality education for everyone, regardless of their location, background, or resources. AI can deliver education through various platforms, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart speakers, and use natural language processing, speech recognition, and computer vision to interact with the students. AI can also offer multilingual and multicultural education, by translating and adapting the content to different languages and cultures.
“UNESCO is committed to supporting Member States to harness the potential of AI technologies for achieving the Education 2030 Agenda while ensuring that its application in educational contexts is guided by the core principles of inclusion and equity,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
“UNESCO’s mandate calls inherently for a human-centered approach to AI. It aims to shift the conversation to include AI’s role in addressing current inequalities regarding access to knowledge, research, and the diversity of cultural expressions and to ensure AI does not widen the technological divides within and between countries.”
AI and Teacher Augmentation
AI can also augment the role of teachers, by freeing them from administrative and repetitive tasks, such as grading, attendance, and record-keeping, and allowing them to focus on more creative and meaningful aspects of teaching, such as designing the curriculum, facilitating the discussions, and mentoring the students. AI can also assist teachers with professional development, by providing them with feedback, recommendations, and resources to improve their skills and knowledge.
“AI can be a great co-teacher for educators, helping them with tasks that can be automated, and providing them with insights and suggestions to enhance their teaching practice,” said Jonathan Rochelle, Director of Product Management at Google for Education. “AI can also help teachers personalize learning for each student, by identifying their learning styles, preferences, and needs, and offering them the best learning resources and activities.”
AI and Education Risks
One of the main challenges of AI in education is that it can potentially influence the students’ beliefs, values, and behaviors, without their awareness or consent. AI can be biased, inaccurate, or misleading, due to the limitations or errors of the algorithms, data, or design. AI can also be manipulated, hacked, or misused, by malicious actors, for their own agendas or interests. AI can also be used to spread propaganda, misinformation, or disinformation, by exploiting the students’ emotions, preferences, or vulnerabilities.
“AI can be a powerful tool for education, but it can also be a dangerous weapon if it is not used responsibly and ethically,” said Dr. Virginia Dignum, Professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at Umeå University and member of the High-Level Expert Group on AI of the European Commission. “AI can affect the students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development, and shape their worldviews and values. We need to ensure that AI in education is aligned with human values and rights and that it is transparent, accountable, and trustworthy.”
AI and Education Ethics
AI can also raise ethical and legal issues, such as the ownership, protection, and consent of the data collected and used by AI systems, the accountability and liability of the AI developers and providers, the transparency and explainability of the AI algorithms and decisions, and the respect and protection of the human rights and dignity of the students and teachers. These issues require careful consideration and regulation, as well as the involvement and empowerment of the stakeholders, such as educators, parents, students, policymakers, and researchers.
“AI in education is not just a technical issue, but also a social, ethical, and legal one,” said Dr. Mutlu Cukurova, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Education at University College London. “We need to ensure that AI in education is designed and deployed in a way that is ethical, inclusive, and beneficial for all. We also need to educate the students and teachers about the opportunities and challenges of AI, and equip them with the skills and competencies to use it responsibly and critically.”
Let's Wrap it Up
Artificial Intelligence is a potent and auspicious technology that holds the potential to revolutionize education in the next decade. With its ability to provide individualized, attainable, and augmented education to both students and instructors, AI has the power to boost learning outcomes and elevate overall educational experiences. However, the implementation of AI also brings with it substantial hazards and complexities, such as the risk of ideological influence, concerns about data confidentiality, and moral quandaries.
It is therefore imperative that we remain cognizant, knowledgeable, and involved in the benefits and challenges of AI in education, and ensure that it is employed in a manner that is ethical, human-focused, and advantageous to all.
Thank you for reading.
Best,
Nexa-Hub
