AI in Education

In the age of Industry 4.0, where digital transformation is at the helm of innovation, education stands as one of the leading sectors taking one giant evolutionary stride after another. Currently, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), in educational institutions around the world is spreading like wildfire and isn’t showing signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, it is projected that by 2024, almost half of learning management systems will be powered by AI. 

Let’s take a look at some of the advancements the marriage of AI and education has brought to the table so far, and what potential it holds for the future.

What is AI?

AI, the generative kind to be specific, has witnessed an unprecedented boom in recent years, catapulting it to mainstream status. But many still perceive it as a race of space robots threatening to take over our jobs. Understandably, there’s a fair share of sci-fi movies that depict that exact scenario.

In reality, AI is a simulation of human intelligence applied to computers and machines. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a new technology. It has been around for decades, taking many shapes and forms along the way. From voice recognition assistants and navigation to banking apps and social media algorithms, AI’s presence in our daily lives is perhaps more common than the average person might think.

How does AI blend with education?

AI has already made its way into educational institutions and classrooms, on a global level, reshaping learning and teaching experiences as we know it. It is positioned as an essential ingredient of the magical recipe responsible for ushering in the new era of education.

With that being said, here are four key applications where AI is making a disruptive shift in the education sector:

• Farewell to chores!

It is no secret that administrative tasks can be tedious and are often classified as the main culprit behind a department’s lackluster performance. That’s why educational institutions are now deploying AI-powered tools that can automate repetitive tasks, with the ultimate goal of accelerating time-consuming processes.

Tools such as document management systems can quickly organize, categorize, and retrieve documents, eliminating the need for manual filing and searching. As a result, student record management, enrollment, and compliance reporting can now all be streamlined, drastically improving efficiency in administration departments.

Also, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can answer routine administrative inquiries, freeing up staff to handle more complex issues or engage in meaningful interactions with students and/or colleagues.

• Tailored learning experience

We are used to ads showing up in our social media feeds that cater to our interests and preferences. Now imagine the same concept being applied to education.

To level the playing field in a classroom, AI can help provide each student with a personalized learning experience. AI-powered tools can generate assignments and exam questions that are tailored to each student individually. This is achieved through collecting feedback data and processing it to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses, then designing learning skill level-appropriate material.

• Let teachers go back to teaching!

Teachers can immensely benefit from AI wizardry to speed up mundane tasks and focus on what really matters: teaching!

Most, if not all, instructors have a lot on their plate, and tending to each student’s needs can get challenging over time. To prevent unintentional neglect and oversight, a smart preventative system can be implemented, enabling early detection of students’ performance decline, notifying the teacher to take necessary action, and maintaining an optimal learning environment.

Another area where AI proves to be of invaluable help to teachers is grading exams. Cutting-edge AI-powered tools are now capable of going through entire multiple-choice and standardized tests and producing accurate results faster than ever.

While AI can be a powerful tool for teachers, it is important to remember that machines cannot replace human interaction. Teachers still play a vital role in providing students with the support and guidance they need to progress. However, AI can help them be more efficient in their work so that they can dedicate more individualized attention to their students.

• Smart Scheduling

Scheduling is one of the most daunting aspects of academic operations. It is a complex process that requires careful consideration of all stakeholders in an academic system. It might take weeks to set classes up and one small change could revert everything back to square one. But what if there was a way to simplify scheduling by centralizing data and providing instant updates to changes?

Enter Smart Scheduling.

Smart scheduling involves the application of advanced AI algorithms, among other technologies, to optimize and automate the creation of class schedules. It takes into account various factors like student preferences, instructor availability, and classroom resources. This approach ensures that schedules are well structured, free from conflicts, and balanced in workload distribution. Also, it can adapt to real-time changes, such as last-minute class adjustments or room changes. Whether integrated into a comprehensive student information system or as a standalone tool, smart scheduling helps educational institutions identify and address scheduling challenges with unparalleled speed.

The Future of AI and Education

At this point, it is safe to assume that AI’s influence on education is primed to skyrocket in the coming years. Research to fine-tune and further develop AI is well underway and educational institutions are quickly realizing the transformative impact that AI has brought upon them. So, the introduction of more innovative and effective applications of AI in the classroom is imminent.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a digital technology that, when mixed with AI can generate a whole new learning experience. VR can bring abstract concepts to life and give students immersive, firsthand perspectives. For example, students can use VR to explore the human body, travel back in time to learn about history, or visit different parts of the world, all from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms.

The up-and-coming smart classroom is yet another glimpse into the future of education, where AI is used to automate tasks like temperature control, lighting, and security. This can create a more comfortable and, subsequently, competent learning environment for students and teachers alike. Instances like adjusting the temperature in a classroom based on the number of students present, or turning on the lights only when the room is populated are a testament’s to AI multifaceted role not just in education, but also in promoting sustainability.

Wrapping up

In this era of endless possibilities, educational institutions adopting state-of-the-art tools, such as a modern user-centric student information system, is more than just an investment. It’s a strategic leap into the future of education, where innovation opens the door to limitless opportunities and boundless growth.