How will AI affect education in the present — and future?

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence consuming the media, questions arise for students on how it can affect their learning and assignments. People question whether AI is putting students and teachers at a disadvantage, an advantage or even both.

ADVANTAGES OF AI IN EDUCATION

For some, the first thought that comes to mind about AI is “ChatGPT.” Most students tend to favor and praise this website because it puts them at an advantage with their assignments, but AI has developed so much that it could help education with much more than that.

Personalized learning

With the help of AI, learning has never been easier. AI can align their goals and needs with the students and learn exactly how they behave as well as the growth in which they learn. Instead of teachers teaching the same way for every student when most have different learning styles, AI can come into play to have personalized learning. Having personalized learning will help students better understand the content and help teachers work with students who are at a different level than other students.

Tutoring

Tutoring can help students improve their skills in school, but tutoring may not be available all the time. Tutoring could also cost money not everyone can afford. With the help of AI, tutoring can be free, and with the help of personalized learning, it can learn the students' learning patterns. AI also can be used at any time, which makes it convenient for students who want to use it past school hours.

Chatbots

Chatbots are computer-designed chats that are intended to simulate conversations with humans. This can help in education by allowing students to ask any question when teachers aren't around. Whether it's a simple multiplication problem or a complicated chemistry equation, AI can help when students are doubtful of their work. Interfaces like “the twins” at the Boston Museum of Science even add a social aspect to the system. Using chatbots, students are engaged both inside and outside the classroom.

DISADVANTAGES OF AI IN EDUCATION

With the many AI resources available, it’s easy to get caught up in using it for help. Some forget the hidden disadvantages of using AI and why it may not benefit students in the long run.

Loss of jobs for teachers

With the rapid intelligence of AI growing, it poses a threat to whether teachers are going to be out of a job sometime soon. AI has grown to the point where it can be asked any question, create any image and search the whole web, leaving teachers questioning whether their job is being taken over. Duolingo, which uses an AI generator, can practically do the same as teachers, and studies have shown that using computers to teach has drastically improved performance.

Potential errors

Inevitably, AI will come across an error, and nobody knows for certain how accurate AI can possibly be. As AI continues to grow in education, the initial purpose is to help educators with students, but errors can come along and relay false information to the learner. That’s why most teachers tend to rely on textbooks and teaching the old-fashioned way — because there isn’t any room for error.

Reduced human interaction

One of the most important parts of school is the social aspect. Being able to interact with students on projects and assignments is a key factor in education, but with AI, this key aspect could be taken away. Not only could this make students socially inept, but it could also prove to be a disadvantage in the future when they need to build relationships within their job.