What connects the words Education-Revolution-Future? For me, observing the data coming from the scientific community, the new apps emerging and used every day, and the desire to revolutionize an “old” Learning and Teaching system, the common thread that binds them today and will keep them together is AI. That is artificial intelligence.
AI is rapidly revolutionizing education, opening “new doors” for students, teachers, people. So, in this <sitoditech> article, I take you on a journey to explore artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Let’s delve into its ever-growing role in educational contexts. With a “watchful eye” to analyze the challenges and opportunities that AI brings.
What does UNESCO think?
UNESCO has recently published a “guide” on integrating AI in education. However, this proposal emphasizes the need for a measured approach.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, highlights the importance of the “explainability” of artificial intelligence, because she “insists” on understanding their functioning before any implementation. Deep attention is placed on “explainability” even among “educational actors.” That is teachers and students, as Chiara Panciroli, an expert in Artificial Intelligence in education, points out. Because a lack of knowledge could compromise the value of learning, it emphasizes the need for an AI culture among students and teachers.
How is the School Changing?
When it comes to education, you cannot ignore school. An aspect of life that, although lagging in some places, is touched by progress. So, let’s now see how school, education, and learning are changing thanks to artificial intelligence and bringing about changes and implications at the social level as well.
Reducing School Dropout
A critical application of Artificial Intelligence in education is preventing school dropouts. Because it presents itself as a crucial ally, offering various advantages. Many of which contribute to reducing school dropout rates. Let’s explore them together below.
- a) Personalization of Learning: AI enables personalized learning paths tailored to individual student needs. Through data analysis, AI recognizes how a student learns and identifies “gaps” in understanding. Thus, it allows the creation of “tailor-made” teaching materials. A personalized approach that makes learning more accessible and engaging.
- b) Dropout Prevention: AI can play ahead thanks to machine learning. How? By recognizing potential risks of school dropout and analyzing data such as attendance, academic performance, and student engagement, AI can identify “difficulty” signals. This prediction helps educators intervene early, offering personalized support.
- c) Emotional and Motivational Support: Even if you might disagree here, AI cannot express emotions. Conversational agents” powered by AI can provide emotional support to students. Because they can answer questions, provide positive feedback, and motivate students in challenging moments. This helps maintain high engagement levels. Thus preventing emotions such as frustration and dissatisfaction that can lead to school dropout.
- d) Continuous Performance Monitoring: Thanks to data analysis tools, teachers can recognize any “declines.” This allows, as mentioned earlier, the adoption of timely corrective approaches. They are providing extra or personalized support. Valuable aids to improve students’ skills in specific areas.
- f) Reduction of Disparities: Offering digital resources and online support makes learning more accessible. Because AI eliminates some of the logistical and geographical barriers that could affect accessibility, it is essential for students from distant or resource-limited communities.
- g) Provision of Personalized Resources: AI-powered platforms can offer personalized learning resources. Because they adapt teaching materials based on students’ needs and create a learning environment that aligns with their interests and competency levels, they are making the educational experience more attractive.
In summary, the responsible integration of AI plays a significant role in reducing school dropout.
- By personalizing learning,
- Early prevention of risks,
- Providing emotional support,
- Ensuring continuous monitoring,
We are helping to create an inclusive, fair, and success-oriented educational environment for every student.
Revolutionizing Assessments
AI supports the school assessment system, as in the case of Invalsi. Analyzing data in an integrated way, algorithms identify critical points and suggest timely interventions. AI represents a real revolution in school assessments in this case because it introduces significant changes. Aspects that improve the assessment process’s efficiency, objectivity, and personalization. In this context, I will show you how AI is revolutionizing school assessments because it promotes a fairer approach tailored to students’ needs.
- a) Objective and Standardized Assessments: Think about it; algorithm-based systems assess students’ answers based on predetermined criteria. “Those are and remain the same for everyone.” Minimizing the risk of biases or subjective interpretations. This promotes a fairer and more uniform assessment. Because it does not leave room for potential personal influences from teachers. The use of AI in evaluations, then, helps ensure greater objectivity.
- b) In-depth Analysis of Responses: Thanks to AI, it is possible to conduct a detailed analysis of students’ responses. Automated assessment systems can verify the correctness of answers and the depth of demonstrated understanding. This level of detail supports teachers because it helps them get a more comprehensive view of students’ skills. Going beyond surface-level assessment.
- c) Instant and Personalized Feedback: AI provides immediate and personalized feedback. Algorithms can identify specific mistakes students make. Then, offer detailed explanations and suggestions for improvement. This approach contributes to active learning by allowing students to understand concepts better and correct mistakes.
- d) Continuous and Adaptive Assessment: AI can adjust the difficulty level by constantly monitoring students’ performance and setting activities based on individual capabilities. This approach adapts to each student’s learning pace because it provides suitable challenges and helps those struggling.
- f) Reduction of Teachers’ Workload: AI reduces teachers’ workload in assessment activities. Automating the process of: “Correction and Evaluation”. Teachers can focus more on building relationships with students, providing them with personalized support, and guiding learning in the classroom.
- g) Greater Efficiency in Progress Monitoring: Teachers can monitor students’ performance in real time. They immediately identified strengths and areas for improvement. This detailed overview facilitates the identification of individual needs and the adaptation of teaching strategies.
In conclusion, the introduction of AI into school assessments represents a revolution. Because it improves objectivity, provides personalized feedback, allows continuous assessment, and reduces teachers’ workload. This innovative approach promotes a fair educational environment. A place focused on developing students’ skills and creating an assessment process more suitable for the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s world.
Reducing Distances
Another positive aspect of developing AI-supported technologies is: “The reduction of distances.” Because artificial intelligence has become a helpful resource. Something that can improve the lives of people with disabilities. Introducing innovative solutions and promoting social inclusion. Imagine those who cannot read because they cannot see or those who miss parts of conversations because they cannot hear. So think about what changes voice assistants, virtual realities, or smart homes bring to their lives. Because they allow them to:
• access information,
• control devices,
• communicate through commands,
In summary, AI is important in helping people with disabilities overcome their daily challenges.
Because it provides advanced tools that improve not only “accessibility”
But also contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Projects Centered Around AI
Gradually, throughout this article, I wanted to show you the potential of AI. As we approach the end, I’ll tell you about some innovative projects. Educational solutions with artificial intelligence are at the center.
DIG4FUTURE by Save the Children
The DIG4Future project, implemented in various countries, provides practical examples of AI integration in schools.
Three main educational activities emerge from this project:
- The Smart Sheet: This engaging tic-tac-toe game exposes students to algorithm features, offering practical and engaging learning.
- Teachable Machine: Students use the Teachable Machine software to train an AI, gain a practical understanding of the training process, and understand the importance of data in machine learning.
- Generative Artificial Intelligences: Using generative artificial intelligence engines, such as Crayon, allows students to explore the risks and opportunities of AI.
Critical reflection on biases emerging during training is encouraged.
Integration with DigComp 2.2 for Digital Skills
The three activities I just mentioned are built around the proposals of the European framework for citizens’ digital skills, i.e., DigComp2.2. Because it offers a fundamental framework for integrating AI into education, skills such as awareness of algorithm personalization and evaluation of disadvantages in AI-based search engines are highlighted as crucial.
Evodeaf: Transforming Sounds into Gestures
Projects like Evodeaf highlight how AI can facilitate communication between hearing and nonhearing individuals, translating spoken language into sign language gestures through digital avatars. These applications contribute to reducing disparities in communication and fostering more active participation in society.
5A: Connecting and Overcoming Challenges
The 5A project helps people aged 16 and up with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) feel more comfortable in daily life. Using technologies like Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and Augmented Reality (AR), the project creates virtual situations that help improve social skills and adapt better to the challenges of everyday life. A virtual voice assistant provides advice and personalized support. The project actively involves people with ASD, their families, and those who support them, seeking to make a positive difference in their lives.
What are the Risks and Opportunities of AI in Education?
Finally, before saying goodbye, we cannot ignore a “few words” about the risks and opportunities because every new technology has pros and cons.
So, before bidding farewell, let’s look at some of them below, starting with the risks.
Risks of AI in Education
- Disparities in Access: The adoption of AI could accentuate socioeconomic inequality, as not all students have access to the necessary technologies. This could create gaps in learning and educational opportunities.
- Bias and Discrimination: AI-based systems can inherit biases in training data, leading to discrimination. For example, automated assessment algorithms could penalize students from specific demographic groups.
- Surveillance and Privacy: Implementing AI-based monitoring systems to assess students’ learning raises privacy concerns. The constant collection and analysis of data could undermine the security of students’ personal information.
- Loss of Human Interaction: Excessive dependence on AI could lead to the loss of significant human interaction, crucial for students’ social and emotional development.
Opportunities of AI in Education
- Personalization of Learning: AI enables the creation of personalized educational paths tailored to each student’s needs. This can improve teaching effectiveness by addressing individual differences.
- Instant Feedback: AI-based assessment systems can provide instant and personalized student feedback, speeding up the learning process and allowing timely corrections.
- Access to Global Resources: AI-supported online platforms allow students to access educational resources worldwide, expanding learning opportunities.
- Improvement of Assessments: AI-based automated grading systems can reduce teachers’ workload, allowing them to focus on more creative and interactive aspects of teaching.
- Innovation in Teaching: AI offers innovative tools for creating engaging educational content, such as interactive simulations, increasing students’ interest and enthusiasm.
- Continuous Learning: AI-based tutoring systems can support students in constant learning, providing additional resources beyond the traditional classroom scope.
- Support for Disabilities: As you’ve seen, artificial intelligence can help those in need in their daily activities. Connecting, giving the sound of colors, the taste of words…
Navigating the Future of Education with AI
In conclusion, at <sitoditech, integrating Artificial Intelligence into education is an evolving reality. Something that requires a balanced approach. While exciting opportunities emerge to improve learning and teaching. Because it is essential to address challenges related to the “opacity” of algorithms and potential biases, only by navigating wisely through the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological revolution can educational institutions ensure meaningful learning. So, prepare students for a world where artificial intelligence will increasingly be a companion on their journey. In this ever-evolving scenario, it is essential for educators to embrace continuous training on AI, integrating AI-based tools and approaches more and more into their teaching methods. The future of education is shaped by the ability to adapt and embrace innovation consciously, ensuring that students not only acquire knowledge. But also develop the skills necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world. Artificial intelligence in education is a powerful resource. The key, therefore, is to use it responsibly and with vision, guiding students toward meaningful and sustainable learning in the 21st century.
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