The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) is a major technological stride and will play a big role in key aspects of our lives, including education. AI refers to developing computer systems that simulate human intelligence to perform various tasks. AI is constantly improving through the data it collects and has the potential to transform teaching and learning depending on how we implement it. So, let’s evaluate some possible benefits and risks of integrating AI into learning.
Pros
AI transforms the education realm in positive aspects. Some notable benefits comprise the following.
Enhances Learning Experience
Some time back, the introduction of the calculator was met with concern about whether it would be a useful tool or harmful to teaching mathematics. Now, students are still learning basic mathematic computations as part of the curriculum, and calculators are useful. AI might have a similar effect. Instead of emphasizing mastering proficiency, it can make students focus on being creative and ambitious. It can raise the bar for learning because students will still have to do the thinking and engage in the editing with AI helping them improve their delivery.
Improves Learning by Combating Fear of Judgment
Many learners struggle with self-confidence and fear being judged by their peers and instructors. It can hold back some students who fear falling behind and make them less likely to engage with the content properly. AI can learn to offer constructive feedback to help learners be comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks in learning. Furthermore, it can help teach crucial soft skills such as critical thinking and communication.
Improves the Scale of Learning
Teachers find it easier to teach students as a collective. One teacher will struggle to hold multiple meaningful conversations with students at a time. Classroom discussions can transform through AI because AI can generate multiple conversations simultaneously. So, students will be able to learn faster, and teachers will have an easier time dictating proceedings.
AI can also improve tutoring because it will make it easier for students to understand challenging concepts or topics in a patient and more individualized approach. Introducing AI tutor chatbots can help students learn at their own pace and through methods that best suit them.
Helps Teachers With Menial Tasks
Students get burnt out writing tons of assignments and studying, but did you know teachers get burnt out too? In a lot of regions, educators are under-resourced and overworked. Burnout leads to teachers abandoning their jobs, contributing to the shortage of educators. AI can automate several menial aspects of teaching, such as grading and data entry, thereby freeing time for teachers to focus on important tasks.
Cons
The usage of AI in education also comes with some negatives. The significant ones include the following.
AI May Introduce New Ways to Cheat
As useful as AI might be, it also opens education to a new way of cheating. Students are already using AI chatbots for instant essays and research which dictates the challenges educators face in grading and assessment. Complacency can become a major problem among students since they might not feel the need to try hard anymore. It is already a challenge for teachers to detect whether a student used AI chatbots to write a paper. However, there might be ways to combat this in the future now that companies are working on AI detection tools for educators, but they cannot get here fast enough.
AI Isn’t Completely Accurate
It might be a blessing in disguise for educators everywhere that AI chatbots are not entirely accurate with their information. AI bots are trained through information which takes some time. For example, when ChatGPT was introduced in 2022, it was trained on information up to 2021. So, there are limitations to knowledge when it comes to current events.
The limitation might lead to students using inaccurate information. However, it also means that students are encouraged to conduct research themselves, do handmade writing, and not completely rely on AI for assignments. Furthermore, AI models can be trained on biased data, and there’s always the risk it can be used to perpetuate biases, negatively affecting learning.
Final Thoughts
AI will be a big part of future learning, but it is not replacing teachers just yet. The information gaps and limitations in interacting with learners provide time to manage its implementation. But we don’t have to see AI as a threat; it has the potential to complement learning just like other technology in our day-to-day lives. Teachers already use technology to improve the learning experience; maybe we will find a way to do the same with AI.
