Artificial Intelligence is a Villain or Hero?
Since its advent, a lot of discussions have been following around the usage of Artificial Intelligence in the education sector. Educators and policymakers are closely watching the AI market in the Indian education sector and its implications for Universities and Colleges.
This blog content is a must-read for educators and all stakeholders interested to see how the education sector in the country is going to transform by the usage of Artificial Intelligence in the teaching-learning process. The blog provides a holistic perspective on both the potential benefits and also the potential challenges of implementing AI technology in academia.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education Sector
The education landscape in India has been rapidly evolving over the past several years since the dawn of internet technologies and mobile telephony. With changing demands of the global economy for new skills and cutting edge know-how, it is imperative upon the education vertical to keep pace with the changing times.
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also inspiring educational leaders and policy advocates to think over the multiple possibilities that this technology can potentially offer to reformulate the course curriculum in schools and colleges and its allied delivery channels. The usage of Artificial Intelligence in Education is already immersing global education leaders to start discussions on the ways in which AI can help teachers be more effective.
Research into artificial intelligence and machine learning in education is directed towards the design and implementation of interactive teaching-learning systems for improving the learnability of students.
The following are some of the ways which will shape and define the educational experience of the future using Artificial Intelligence.
#1. Automation of Student Assessment Process and Other Academic Activities
In colleges and schools, students’ evaluation process is a tedious task. Faculty is often overburdened with these activities which consume a lot of time. This time could otherwise be utilized for other significant academic works thereby giving more time teaching and class preparation.
While AI may not be able to fully replace human intervention in the grading process, it could certainly reduce the lead time required to complete the whole process by automating some portions of the while activity. In fact, today, there is software through which online assessment of students is done hassle-free.
#2. AI will Foster Personalized Learning
One of the important ways in which artificial intelligence will impact school and college education is the development of learning programs that respond to the need of students. This will facilitate greater levels of customized learning through machine-assisted solutions.
AI-driven adaptive programs are likely to improve the learnability of individual student and help him/her expand the knowledge horizon. It will also reduce dependability on teachers to provide tutorials and educational materials. Some tutoring programs based on artificial intelligence already exist and are helping students to self-learn basics of subjects such as mathematics, science, English and other subjects.
#3. AI-driven programs will expedite feedback mechanism
AI can not only help teachers and students in the teaching-learning process but can also automate the feedback process. Some international institutions are already using AI systems to monitor student progress and to inform teachers and their parents when and where the student needs attention to improve.
These AI systems provide students’ real-time access to the kind of support they need from their teachers along with classified insights on the areas to focus attention on.
#4. Artificial Intelligence will Redefine Education Marketing and the way Information is sought.
With advancements in AI-enabled smart speakers technology, AI systems are already influencing the way we interact with technology for seeking information, searching locations, and performing critical household activities.
The technology suggests purchase options based on your buying behaviour and adapts to your needs and commands. Education marketing is bound to be geared up in an altogether different way using intelligent technology features that are powered by AI and machine earning. AI systems will play a big role in the way students make career choices and interact with information.
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#5. AI will extend learning beyond the classroom
Using AI systems, software, and support, students learning will not be just restricted to traditional classroom set-ups. They will be free to learn from anywhere in the world at any time. In some instances, AI may even replace teachers as far as instructional learning goes. Personalized apps and software are already helping students to learn basic skills. As these programs grow and edutech companies innovate, students will have a much wider range of educational services to pursue their dream careers.
Future Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence in Education Sector
Artificial Intelligence may not always prove to be a boon if not used judiciously. There are instances where AI has gone wrong. Therefore it is important that AI algorithms be monitored and supervised for its appropriate usage.
Education products intended to produce better teaching and learning mediums are currently being worked upon by companies across the globe. One of the key challenges in implementing new AI solutions in academia will be the availability of advance infrastructures and technology ecosystem. These leads to questions of prioritizing the need to tackle digital revolution in a big way.
Currently, the education ecosystem in Indian is struggling with challenges of basic infrastructure for IT. Developing a comprehensive implementation plan for modern education facilities will require the participation of all stakeholders. In the absence of basic infrastructure, ensuring AI-driven education for all will be a daunting task.
Acceptance of AI-driven education has to be first welcomed by those who are going to deliver it i.e. teachers. In this regard, teachers will have to be prepared to learn new digital skills to use AI effectively to craft engaging course curriculum and pedagogy. Academic research can be one of the greatest beneficiaries of AI technology. Educational research activities can improve in a significant way in the coming years with the increasing use of AI.
Finally, no doubt AI will open many new frontiers to improving the current education system, however its intelligent use in proper context needs to be continuously discussed among academic leaders and policymakers. The key discussions should address some of these challenges as mentioned in this blog to offer world-class services in all areas of education and to all.
