There is no doubt that technological advancements have revolutionized many industries, including education. Mobile applications and the internet have interconnected technologies that affect students’ life the most. While there remains an ongoing debate between educators, parents and psychologists concerning screen time limits for children, the fact that technology is shaping future trends cannot be ignored.
Artificial Intelligence or AI is everywhere and has thus become a hot topic for discussion. It has not just transformed the way educators did their job but also changes students’ perspectives regarding course learning and practical solutions. Thus, “UNESCO is committed to supporting Member States to harness the potential of AI technologies for achieving the Education 2030 Agenda while ensuring that the application of AI in educational contexts is guided by the core principles of inclusion and equity” as reported by UNESCO in 2022.
Listed below are some examples of how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the education sector and stimulating students’ learning environment.
Task Automation
With the help of AI tools, teachers and university professors are now managing their classroom environment effectively besides organizing their administrative tasks. A recent research report found that AI helps teachers in time grading tests, homework evaluation, filing important papers, and organizing necessary resources and lecture materials. With so many tasks involved and so much time saved, teachers can spend a lot of time on non-teaching tasks as well. It can be said that artificial intelligence has automated the primary work of teachers who may now focus more on extra-curricular activities for the students.
Personalized learning
Personalized learning has emerged as a new form of learning where students are taught with the help of educational software. The software is AI-based and adapts according to individual students’ learning abilities. They may comprise education-based games, and programs to make students’ learning experience fun-filled. The learning environment is made comfortable while emphasizing students’ needs, highlighting specific topics where the student needs more concentration or they haven’t mastered.
Universal access
Universal access value had been recognized by the world during pandemics. Had there not been AI for education, students would have suffered the most. With educational classrooms becoming global, students can have access to their desired university from any place in the world. The AI tools help physically challenged students through hearing or sensing devices. In fact, language barriers are also being addressed by AI tools since the machine can easily transcribe different languages. This opens new possibilities for students who seek to learn at a different level, or are sick and cannot attend regular classes.
Teaching the teacher
Gone are the days when educational materials were not upgraded as they are now. Teachers cannot rely on traditional learning or what they have acquired twenty years back. Since things are changing with time, teachers need to upgrade their knowledge and educational skill to get 21st-century students prepared for the future. With AI learning tools, teachers can now have access to comprehensive information and keep them educated by comparing their past knowledge with the present.
Tutoring and Out-of-the-class support
Parents usually find it difficult to help their children with difficult subjects such as math and science. They can now use AI to help children with homework or projects besides responding to the learning styles. Various AI applications have been developed in recent years that mentor learners and help them in creating smart content. Likewise, the applications help educators in personal development through global conferences. Although the education sector seems a bit slow to adopt AI like other sectors, they are accepting its advantages with time.
Identification of weaknesses
One of the concerns that schools and universities have regarding artificial intelligence is that it will replace their position in future thereby resulting in job losses. However, this is not true since AI cannot replace teachers but can only compliment them. AI can assist teachers by identification of weaknesses in the classroom or in a teaching environment. For instance, if students are not understanding a specific portion of a subject, AI can analyze it and suggest an alternative method that might prove effective. This can make teachers more accountable and adhere to best practices until every student understands their course materials.
Creating Smart Content
Smart content for the classroom is not limited to texts and images only rather comprise video lessons, interactive training sessions and more. AI in the education sector can help schools and universities in developing an interactive learning atmosphere that can benefit students and make them easy to grasp several subjects simultaneously. Skill mapping and microlearning elements can further help students a lot. While skill mapping creates a visual representation of skills needed by students to perform well, microlearning modules deal with specific areas that can help students in achieving expertise in their desired field.
AI-based education for people with special needs
The issue of developing a learning program for those with exceptional needs has always been difficult. Although there are special schools for children with auditory, speech, and vision impairments, the regular teaching method often works better. The most comfortable learning environment for children with special needs is now made feasible by artificial intelligence. Numerous AI-based educational programs are available that are designed specifically for children with exceptional needs.
Creating a virtual learning atmosphere
Artificial intelligence is more effective at handling subjects that children struggle with in class or that parents are unable to adequately explain. Exams taken online can be taken in the same virtual setting. These screening tools for hiring already exist in many different facets. In the field of education, the same can be put into practice. A secure online exam tool that enables the creation and customization of test forms by the teachers may be built using AI services. The examinations can be taken at any time by the students from their current places. Instead of being graded by the teachers, the system evaluates these tests. Of course, the professors can keep tabs on everything.
Increased security
Security has become a big concern for parents and educators, especially after the past few incidents where children had been kidnapped or shot on school premises. Many countries like China have started using an AI-driven facial recognition system that scans students and confirms management before allowing them to enter the campus. Scanners are used in place of traditional ID cards to mark students’ identity or entry at school, canteen or classroom. Many CCTVs are now equipped with AI-driven software that upgrades entire security systems to provide a safer work environment, classroom, playgrounds and other areas in schools and universities.
