The role of AI in modern education
Like so many of the technologies that have changed the world, artificial intelligence (AI) developed over many years before it seemed to suddenly burst on the scene. Today, AI is ubiquitous and offers revolutionary potential for education.
With AI, educators can tailor learning experiences to individual student needs, making education more effective and engaging. AI-enabled technologies also assist in administrative tasks, streamlining operations and freeing up educators to focus on teaching. Learn more about how teachers and school administrators are using AI-powered tools today and the possibilities for the future of artificial intelligence in education.
A short history of AI systems development
The term “artificial intelligence” was actually coined in 1956. In that year, John McCarthy, a Dartmouth College professor, organized a pivotal workshop that coined the term “artificial intelligence” and aimed to create machines capable of reasoning and using human language.1
After a fast start, research interest in AI cooled for a few decades before developments in computer technology drove a resurgence in the 1990s with advances in machine learning and neural networks. The public release of Chat GPT in 2022 marked a significant milestone, showcasing unprecedented capabilities in natural language understanding and generation, and fueling further advancements in AI. Today, AI significantly impacts various sectors, from healthcare to finance, manufacturing, and transportation. Many think it is also poised to revolutionize education.
Current applications of AI in education
AI is transforming K-12 education by offering innovative solutions in personalized learning, adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading and feedback, and administrative tasks.
Personalized learning
Intelligent tutoring systems
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Automated grading and feedback
Administrative applications
Some ways teachers are using generative AI tools
Teachers are finding many different ways to use AI capabilities to enhance learning outcomes. Two notable applications include creating visual aids for vocabulary instruction and planning engaging math lessons.
Support for vocabulary instruction
An instructional designer has helped teachers create visuals for many different grade levels and subjects using AI. Her tips for doing so include:12
- Identify challenging vocabulary words for upcoming lessons
- Choose an AI tool that fits your needs and is easy to access
- Craft specific prompts to generate images that illustrate vocabulary words
- Share and credit the AI-generated images with students to introduce the concept of AI
Math lesson planning using artificial intelligence
The author, a high school math teacher and instructional coach, explains how to use generative AI to assist teachers in planning engaging math lessons. Her steps include:13
- Use AI to connect math topics to real-world applications and student interests
- Generate word problems, performance tasks, and projects that align with curriculum standards
- Design comprehensive lesson plans with essential questions, practice problems, and extension opportunities
- Use AI to create inquiry-based activities that develop critical thinking and quantitative literacy skills
For more ideas from teachers, visit Edutopia.org or search online using your favorite AI-enabled search tool.
AI-driven learning
AI applications in education can foster interactive collaboration and facilitate content creation and curation for students and teachers alike. These tools help teachers develop content aligned with curriculum standards, ensuring that educational materials effectively meet diverse student needs. Interactive tools like virtual labs and educational games engage students, while collaborative platforms facilitate peer learning. Teachers can use these technologies and the data-driven insights they provide to personalize learning paths and offer adaptive feedback, enhancing the overall learning experience.
The future of AI in education
The widespread adoption of AI in the last few years, including its growing use in schools, has caused reactions ranging from outright banning to enthusiastic embrace. Because the tools will continue to evolve and change the way we operate in all areas of life, teachers and educational administrators need to come to terms with several ethical considerations about AI in education.
Concerns about student use of AI
Teachers worry about students using AI technology to bypass learning, such as using it to complete assignments. One way to address this is by designing assignments that require personal engagement and critical thinking, which are harder for AI technologies to replicate.9
Teaching AI literacy is crucial. Students should understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, including the potential for AI systems to generate biased or inaccurate content. Encouraging students to leverage AI tools for learning rather than shortcut assignments will help maintain academic integrity.15
By considering these concerns and implementing thoughtful strategies, educators and administrators can harness AI’s benefits while addressing its potential drawbacks.
Conclusion:
AI in education offers transformative potential by personalizing learning, streamlining administrative tasks, and enhancing instructional quality. However, ethical concerns such as privacy, bias, and equity remain significant challenges. By addressing these issues and implementing best practices, educators can harness AI’s benefits while maintaining academic integrity and equity.