Navigating AI in Education: the Good and the Not-So-Good

The future is here. There is no doubt that Artificial Intelligence in education is gaining so much popularity amongst us. Educators use AI in the form of EdTech tools to help them create study plans accordingly, while learners can use AI to help them complete projects, homework, and even research papers. While no one can deny that Artificial Intelligence in 2024 is becoming a part of our lives, there are a few pros and cons to AI that require further consideration and are still being debated. Imagine a world in which your teacher is a robot and your homework gets reviewed by a device. AI now has been a magical power in our lives. In this article we will be into this interesting topic, discovering the benefits and some complex drawbacks of using AI in our classrooms.

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence or AI is a broad field of computer science that seeks to create machines capable of performing tasks that normally require human intelligence. While AI is an interconnected field with different methods, advances in machine learning and deep learning, in particular, are causing an evolution in almost every industry. Artificial intelligence enables machines to match, or even surpass those of the capabilities of the human mind. AI is becoming increasingly common with the development of self-driving cars and a growing number of generative AI tools.

The CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, describes artificial intelligence as “more profound than fire or electricity or anything we have done in the past.” Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn and current partner at Greylock Partners, states, “The power to make positive change in the world is about to get the biggest boost it’s ever had.” Bill Gates has stated that “this new wave of AI is as fundamental as the creation of the microprocessor, the personal computer, the Internet, and the mobile phone.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of AI in the Education Sector

While some professionals or teachers see AI as a tool that can revolutionise education, others are concerned about its ethical and educational implications. AI promises to open up new horizons in ways of learning, but are we all realy prepared for the revolution? Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of AI in Education

1. Enhanced student engagement and motivation: AI in education can improve the learning experience in a variety of ways, including personalised learning, instant feedback and communication enabled by AI. AI can also be used to improve gamified learning, in making learning more enjoyable, engaging. Using AI tools can help educators adopt a more interactive teaching style, which may result in increased engagement and motivation in the classroom and improved learning outcomes.

2. Improvement in Student Performance: Another advantage of artificial intelligence in education is its ability to help improve student performance through increased feedback. AI-powered systems can assess students’ progress, provide targeted feedback, and identify areas where they can improve. Furthermore, AI can track students’ behavior patterns, assess their attention levels, and determine whether they require additional help with specific subjects, granular areas, or skills. Instant AI-powered feedback, combined with enhanced learning experiences, is expected to propel students’ abilities to new heights.

3. Cost-effective Education: Using AI in Education can also significantly reduce the cost of education for educational institutions if it is used to its full potential. AI may replace a variety of tasks that are traditionally performed by administration, teachers, and IT. Grading, scheduling, data management, and even tutoring are examples of daily tasks that AI can perform. With AI in education, educational institutions can save money by reducing the resources required to run efficiently, increasing cost-effectiveness.

4. 24/7 Accessibility: The Artificial intelligence-driven educational tools and platforms are available round the clock, allowing students to access learning materials and receive assistance from anywhere with an internet connection.

5. Support for Teachers: Did you know? AI-powered virtual assistants can help teachers generate plans of action, generate content, manage classrooms, and respond to student inquiries, reducing their workload and increasing their productivity.

Disadvantages of AI in Education

1. Risks for Teachers’ Job Security: The first things on the list are threats to teachers’ job security. This is not yet happening, but there is concern that the advancement and adoption of AI will impact the need for certain job roles in education. As AI continues to automate more aspects of the education process, there may be fewer demands for human educators, resulting in increased productivity and potential job loss.

2. Dependency in Technology: As schools are becoming increasingly reliant on AI-powered applications, there is a risk that teachers and students may become more reliant on technology. In the long run, this dependence may lead to the neglect of the traditional teaching methods and the rise of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Dehumanised Learning Experience: One of the biggest disadvantages of AI in education is that it can dehumanise the learning experience of oneself. With AI algorithms generating content and deciding the flow of the lessons, students may miss out on the specific approach that a human teacher can provide. Also, AI algorithms may result in biasness, which means they may fail to provide an open and varied curriculum to each student’s own needs and requirements.

Conclusion

As a whole, the evolving role of AI in education presents both opportunities and challenges for educators. Educators can use AI to improve student outcomes and promote equity in the classroom by taking an active approach to this technology, while also preserving the unique role that teachers play in promoting student growth, development, and learning. As a result, if we analyse incorporating AI-powered EdTech tools into teachers’ teaching strategies remains critical.

FAQs

Q1. What are the advantages of AI in education?

AI assists in curriculum planning by analysing educational data to identify trends and gaps in learning outcomes. It can suggest updates and adjustments to curricula based on real-time insights and evolving educational standards.

Q2. What are the effects of AI on students?

AI has a significant impact on education and students, influencing both their educational experiences and personal development. AI is reshaping how students interact with information, instilling critical skills for the future.

Q3. Is artificial intelligence good or bad for students?

The impact of AI on students is nuanced, including both positive and potentially negative aspects. On the plus side, AI enables personalised learning by tailoring educational content to individual student needs, resulting in greater understanding and engagement. Virtual tutors and AI-powered tools provide real-time assistance, improving critical thinking abilities and independent learning.

Q4. How is artificial intelligence used in education?

AI can understand written text from essays or long-form answers, map it to traditional grade levels, and assign a score to the writing. Several educational organisations, including Pearsons and the Educational Testing Service, use AI language models to score essays.

Q5. What is the future of AI in education?

AI can analyse an immense quantity of educational data to spot trends and patterns. This is particularly useful for school administrators and educational decision-makers. AI can predict students’ performance and assist in developing strategies to improve their outcomes. It can also identify areas where and when additional assistance is required.