By Candace Wofford
The field of education has seen remarkable changes in recent years. Advancements in technology are paving the way for new and exciting possibilities. One of the most significant developments in this regard is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on student learning. As AI continues to shape the landscape of education, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and students to understand the opportunities and challenges that come with this new frontier.
In a recent talk at SXSW EDU 2023, “Always On: Learning in the Age of AI & Technology,” education experts explored the role of AI in shaping the future of student learning. Nina Huntemann, Chief Academic Officer of Chegg led the panel, which included Dr. Rose Luckin (Professor of Learner Centered Design at the UCL Knowledge Lab in London), Dr. Paul Kim (Chief Technology Officer and Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University), and Dr. Thomas Lancaster (Senior Teaching Fellow in Computing at Imperial College London). The discussion shed light on some of the key issues and opportunities related to this topic, highlighting the need for a proactive and strategic approach to preparing students for the AI world.
Luckin described two particularly important features of artificial intelligence including its adaptivity and autonomy. With regards to student learning, AI has the ability to adapt and personalize education to the needs and strengths of individual learners. AI algorithms can analyze student data and provide personalized feedback and support, enabling teachers to better understand the unique needs and learning styles of their students. This personalized approach can provide autonomy to students, which will help them to learn at their own pace and in ways that suit their learning styles, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
Despite these opportunities, there are also some significant challenges associated with AI in education. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential for bias in AI algorithms. As AI is only as unbiased as the data it is trained on, there is a risk that existing biases and inequalities in education could be reinforced by AI systems. For instance, if AI algorithms are trained on data that is biased against certain demographics or learning styles, they may perpetuate these biases and create further disparities in student learning outcomes.
With regards to how AI will transform education, it was recognized that the aim is to help guide students towards the outcome of being able to ask better questions. They should not be asking level one simple recall questions, but rather, level five questions – creative, hypothetical, and innovative questions that trigger higher order thinking. At the same time, it is critical for educators to ensure that students are aware of the true capabilities of AI and what it actually is – a recall tool.
The New York Times article by Kevin Roose was referenced with regards to people reporting having “unsettling” experiences when it comes to AI. People new to AI need to be educated on how that is because of what they asked. Lancaster reiterated that AI is not self-aware. He says, “If you ask it to be creepy, then it will have a creepy conversation. If you ask it to lie, it will lie… It is just doing what you told it to do. And so this can be abused.” This is another example of how it cannot take the place of human connection and how educators need to teach students what the role of AI is, what its limits are, and how to use it ethically.
The rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges for student learning. As AI continues to reshape the field of education, it is essential for educators, policymakers, and students to develop a proactive and strategic approach to preparing for the AI world. By leveraging the benefits of AI while also mitigating its risks, we can create a future where student learning is more personalized, effective, and equitable.
Candace Wofford is a dedicated Longhorn who earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas. She has her MS in Marine Science with a focus on Reproductive Endocrinology. As an expert in the Social and Emotional Learning Field, she shares her passion to high-school students to inspire them to become the best versions of themselves. She is a mother of two beautiful children, Jace (5) and Piper Beverly (1.5) so together they are PB&J and she is happily married to her Action Sports Expert Hubby, Jade.
