- The way that teachers and students engage is already changing thanks to generative AI tools.
- In addition, even though hazards are frequently discussed, there are plenty of chances to rethink education in the era of generative AI.
- AI has the potential to be a very positive force in education, from assisting teachers in concentrating on their instruction to freeing up students to concentrate on far more ambitious projects.
The academic community has been astounded by generative AI techniques. They have flourished in Harvard’s first-year program, outperformed Stanford’s second-year medical students in clinical reasoning tasks, and even outperformed students at a prestigious university in the field of creativity, which was previously supposed to be unique to humans.
Teachers are naturally worried and frequently react defensively, which can take the form of cautious observation or outright resistance. But there’s a risk we’re missing what AI can do well if we place an undue emphasis on what can go wrong.
We cannot overlook the shortcomings of the current educational system, which range from unequal access to teacher burnout. AI presents a chance to solve these persistent problems and advance human potential and creativity, not just a challenge. We need to carefully reconsider how we approach education, skill development, and assessment if we are to accomplish this.
Imagining new skill sets
In a world dominated by AI, which skills will students need to master? Even though the solution is unknown, it makes sense to start by gaining a basic understanding of artificial intelligence, including its advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to acquire this foundational AI literacy to dispel myths about AI and avoid anthropomorphizing it. Thankfully, there are tools available to swiftly, efficiently, and freely disseminate this knowledge. One such tool is the higher education course offered by King’s College.
However, this is only the start. While problem-solving is generally the focus, problem conceptualization is an equally important ability. In a world full of AI technologies that provide immediate fixes, the true skill is in recognizing and breaking down problems, defining their parameters, and coming up with innovative ways to reframe them to increase the scope of potential solutions.
A skill set based on research and investigation is especially necessary given the quickly changing field of artificial intelligence. The capacity to adjust and learn on the go is essential when the flood of new and updated AI tools becomes the standard. Cultivating an adventurous mentality and being willing to learn via trial and error is essential to stay up to date with continuous improvements, as these tools come without an instruction manual and their real-world applications can surprise even their developers.
Reflective abilities and critical thinking are becoming increasingly crucial. Since the distinction between artificial intelligence and reality is becoming increasingly hazy and since AI technologies might occasionally produce biased or erroneous results, we require individuals who can critically engage with information. Additionally, as AI becomes more and more integrated into our daily lives, it is critical to consider the broader implications of AI on our personal identities, problem-solving techniques, and societal structures.
The reevaluation of education
The long-standing, conventional techniques employed by educators to evaluate students are starting to become outdated. This could be advantageous.
Whether or not generative AI is formally sanctioned, students will utilize these tools, and this opens up new possibilities for what we may expect from them. This entails seeking more complex, modern, and pertinent outputs rather than just essays and problem sets. To better prepare students for the following phases in their lives and careers, these could involve developing working prototypes, software, or other artifacts.
Accepting generative AI in assignments is a start, but it is insufficient. Combining this with strong student leadership and mentoring is essential. This calls for innovative approaches that are based on tried-and-true educational theories but especially tailored for AI’s role in learning. Teachers at King’s College London and other institutions, for instance, employ the PAIR (Problem, AI, Interaction, Reflection) paradigm, which expands on problem-based and active learning. It offers educators a framework for creating homework assignments and educational activities that encourage the appropriate and successful use of AI.
However, this does not imply that AI should be used universally for all evaluation types. In-person assessments are still important for building a solid foundation, particularly in the early phases of education. A thorough comprehension of fundamental domains is still necessary to make sure we don’t give AI too much power and that we can effectively examine and engage critically with AI technologies. The secret is to integrate AI in a thoughtful and planned manner.
Redefining the classroom and teaching
A select few with wealth have long been able to afford personalized education. This could change thanks to generative AI.
It presents a future in which everyone can access customized, even the 250 million kids who are not enrolled in school at the moment. Envision an environment where artificial intelligence instructors provide learning resources and solutions that are customized to every student’s unique requirements, inclinations, and skills, regardless of their location.
Although it may sound like science fiction, some of this is already occurring. Take Khanmigo, an AI teacher created by Khan Academy that helps young pupils with a variety of topics. Similarly, you no longer need to know how to program to construct personalized GPTs or ChatGPT bots. For instance, in just ten minutes, I was able to create a chatbot that assists educators in modifying the PAIR framework.
Additionally, generative AI has the potential to offer educators a range of virtual assistants that can handle everything from administrative work to the development of creative lesson plans. AI can be a game-changer, allowing educators to dedicate more time and energy to their primary calling: teaching, given the prevalence of teacher shortages and burnout.
The goal of education itself should change in the future when artificial intelligence is a major factor in the dissemination of knowledge. For instance, we may use a flipped classroom approach, in which class time is substituted by learning activities that encourage participation and teamwork.
More than just the newest craze in technology, generative AI is a multifaceted technology that will influence, if not completely transform, every aspect of our existence. The biggest threat to education in the era of artificial intelligence may not be the inherent dangers of the technology, but rather our unwillingness to properly investigate and carefully utilize AI’s enormous potential to promote a new era of teaching, learning, and development.
