Technology is constantly changing, and with it, so is the way students are learning. We’ve touched on other disruptors to education, including blockchain and crypto, but in this article, we’re going to dive into yet another technology that is taking the learning process by storm.
Another one of the disruptive techniques used to customize the experience of different learning groups and teachers is Artificial Intelligence or AI. So, let’s take a closer look at AI, its current applications in education, and its future potential.
What is AI?
Starting with the basics, let’s first take a closer look at what AI truly is. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is aimed at stimulating human intelligence processes. This branch of science produces and studies machines aiming to optimize routine processes. Throughout the world, AI is becoming increasingly popular because it can improve both speed and efficiency.
Basic Principles of AI
For the most part, regardless of industry, AI tools comply with three basic principles; learning, self-correcting, and reasoning.
Learning
Through the learning principle, AI tools process and acquire a new experience and then create a new behavior model.
Self-Correcting
In self-correcting, AI tools work to refine the algorithms of the existing process to make sure they provide the most accurate results.
Reasoning
Lastly, the reasoning principle enables the AI tool to pick up a specific algorithm and resolve a task independently.
Basic Forms of AI
There are four basic forms of AI, which include Assisted Intelligence, Automation, Augmented Intelligence, and Autonomous Intelligence.
Assisted Intelligence
Assisted Intelligence relies on a combination of effort from humans + AI, with assistance in making decisions and taking actions. Assisted Intelligence is incapable of learning from its experience.
Automation
Automation relies strictly on AI and consists of the automation of routine tasks. Automation is incapable of learning from its experience.
Augmented Intelligence
Augmented Intelligence relies on a combination of effort from humans + AI with human decision automation. Augmented Intelligence is capable of learning from its experience.
Autonomous Intelligence
Autonomous Intelligence relies solely on AI, with adaptation to different situations, acting entirely without the assistance of a human. Autonomous Intelligence is capable of learning from its experience.
AI Applications in Education So Far
Creating New Efficiencies
On the administrative end, AI technology can help to improve IT processes and create new efficiencies. For example, students getting lost in crowds while running through premises is a constant struggle. But, with the help of AI, schools can determine appropriate methods to minimize these issues.
Additionally, AI can assist with enhancing data-driven forecasts by modeling complex data. More accurate planning for the future means schools can save on costs from over-ordering or excessive waste.
While some institutions may have concern over the cost of integrating AI, ultimately, it will pay for itself over time in cost savings.
Promoting Global Learning
There is no limit to education, but there are boundaries at times. By facilitating the learning of any course from any place across the globe at any time, AI technology will drastically transition the facilitation of education.
Personalizing Learning
Personalizing learning is yet another critical element to ensuring comprehension. We’ve seen the importance of data and learning analytics in this personalization, but AI will bring this to the next level.
Similar to how Netflix suggests personalized viewing recommendations to users, this technology is currently being integrated into the classroom with learning. Apps powered with AI technology will help target students and provide customized responses from teachers, ultimately developing a more personalized learning approach.
Developing Smart Content
Ultimate academic success is the main priority of AI and education. AI works to develop smart content for education. For example, traditional syllabuses can be transcribed by AI systems into entire customized textbooks. This technology allows for entirely digitized textbooks and allows new learning interfaces.
Simplifying Administrative Tasks
For both teachers and academic institutions, AI can help to simplify administrative duties. Tedious, time-consuming tasks like assessing homework and grading exams can be simplified by using AI technology. As a result, this time savings means teachers have more time to spend with students, helping them through their challenges.
The Future of AI in Education
While AI has already begun to make its mark in education, we can only anticipate seeing it continuing to make strides. Here are a few ways we expect to see AI grow in teaching and learning.
Personalized Education
AI will continue to help uncover what students are comprehending and having difficulty with. Through this personalized education, AI can develop study schedules that are unique to each learning, filling any voids or knowledge gaps.
Smart Content
Smart content is the hottest topic with education right now, and AI will continue to excel this forward. AI will continue to produce innovative content that grows with students by learning content updates, information visualization, and digital lesions.
Task Automation
Google currently uses AI technology to provide predictive text based on past messages. The hope is to see this same use of AI with an education application in a Learning Management System or something similar.
Tutoring
Going back to knowledge gaps, the answer to addressing individual student needs is through tutoring. Tutoring sessions offered outside the classroom can help students keep up with the natural path of their courses. AI tutors will become increasingly popular, saving teachers, students, and parents.
Ensuring Accessibility
Accessibility in eLearning is critical to ensure that all learners can comprehend the material. Thankfully, with the addition of AI to the education sector, these technologies will provide students with new ways of interacting, proving to be especially beneficial to those with learning disabilities.
Education in students with special needs varies, but AI will grant access to eLearning for those with learning impairments, including visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor concerns.
Final Thoughts
The future for AI applications in learning is bright as we continue to see more technological advancements in this sector. AI can effectively be utilized as a disruptive technology to help customize the learning experience for all students.
As we continue to propel forward into the future of eLearning, ryco.io is continuously researching AI applications as we work to integrate this technology into our courses. Stay tuned for all of the upcoming exciting things we have in store!