AI is changing the game in so many industries, and the education sector certainly hasn’t been left behind. In fact, its use is only becoming more widespread as both educators and students continue to realize the benefits of the technology. However, AI is unlikely to replace the expertise of teachers – instead, institutions are looking to augment the teaching and learning process by integrating it in a number of ways.
While the market value of AI in education is continuing to soar, there remains some resistance to its implementation. In fact, of the 863 staff members surveyed in one study, only 27% felt positive or very positive about the use of AI in the industry. Despite these reservations, lots of students and teachers alike are already benefiting from the technology. So how is it already being implemented inside and outside the classroom?
AI for Teaching
While some educators may still be wary of integrating AI into their teaching methods, it’s clear that there are lots of benefits to be had from doing so sensibly. One of the key advantages is the time-saving potential, since AI can automate repetitive tasks to improve efficiency and productivity. This has the significant benefit of freeing up more time for teachers to spend in direct contact with their students, with more clerical tasks being taken care of by AI software.
There are many tools available to teachers that can help them complete daily tasks. One of the most prevalent is ChatGPT, which can have an almost limitless number of uses in the classroom. You can use prompts to bring about a range of outcomes, from creating lesson plans to explaining complex concepts in a more digestible way. When using OpenAI in the classroom, it’s important to remember that the technology isn’t perfect, and there are likely to be some inaccuracies in the data produced. When children’s education is on the line, ensure any information gleaned from AI is backed up with your own input and research.
AI for Learning
It’s not just the educators who are benefitting from cutting-edge AI technology – students too are making the most of its automative capabilities at all levels of the educational framework. From something as simple as checking punctuation with Grammarly, to more complex programs like Otter.ai that can transcribe entire lectures, students are benefitting from the ever-growing number of AI tools available.
When AI technology can be used to (in some cases) complete assignments and write sections or even entire essays, there is an obvious question of ethics that needs to be considered. To ensure students are getting the most out of the tools available without breaking any rules and facing potential punishment, it’s important that they have a thorough understanding of the boundaries in place. Different institutions in different countries will have their own rules around ethical AI use, so students must familiarize themselves with what’s acceptable. From grades being penalized to potential expulsion, we’re already seeing the misuse of AI manifest itself in the real world.
As this technology becomes more powerful, schools and universities will need to tighten their guidelines to ensure its use remains fair and supports the learning journey of young people rather than inhibits it.
The Future of AI
What’s becoming increasingly clear is that the technology we use today is only just starting to scratch the surface of AI’s long-term capabilities. While it’s impossible to predict with any accuracy how its use will manifest itself in the classrooms of the future, we can presume that developments in this field will continue to play an increasingly prominent role in educating young people for generations to come.
