Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the face of many industries, and education is no exception. As technology accelerates – with no signs of slowing down any time soon – educators and learners find themselves in unchartered territory. To keep up with this new wave of advancements, industry leaders such as Dan Thomson, CEO and Founder of Sensay and Narmeen Makhani, from the Educational Testing Service, and Kristen DiCerbo, Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy, are calling for the prioritisation and implementation of AI in education.
The Covid-19 pandemic showed us just how critical online learning capabilities are. Education institutions need developed platforms and processes that students can easily access – in the classroom and at home.
A 2023 survey by Forbes Advisor found that around 60% of teachers in the U.S. use AI in the classroom. As it becomes more commonplace to make use of AI-powered games, adaptive learning platforms and automated feedback systems, it’s essential to understand the impact of AI on education.
Online Learning: Personalisation and Accessibility
AI-integrated education systems are putting universities on the map – and for good reason, notes Dan Thomson. AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of online education by personalising learning experiences for students. AI-powered platforms can analyse students’ learning patterns, strengths and weaknesses, and tailor the course content to their needs. This level of personalisation ensures students remain engaged, motivated and able to progress at their own pace.
Moreover, AI helps democratise access to education, says Narmeen Makhani. AI-powered language processing tools can automatically translate course materials into multiple languages, breaking down language barriers. Additionally, AI-driven accessibility tools, such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text services, enable students with disabilities to engage with online content more easily, creating equal opportunities for inclusive learning.
Content Creation: Revolutionising Educational Materials
Content creation is another area where it’s making a significant impact. Traditionally, creating educational materials is a time-consuming process requiring substantial effort from educators and instructional designers. AI can reduce administration and generate high-quality classroom material, says Chris Goodall, head of digital education at the Bourne Education Trust.
AI-powered tools can analyse existing material, identify gaps and create customised lesson plans, quizzes, and courses. These tools can also update content in real-time, ensuring that students can always access the most current information. This capability is precious in fast-changing fields such as technology and medicine, where keeping educational content up to date is crucial.
Furthermore, AI can assist in content delivery. AI-driven platforms can adapt the presentation of material based on how well a student understands it, offering additional explanations or alternative approaches as needed. Using policy to integrate such adaptive learning approaches will prepare learners for the future, says the World Economic Forum.
Student Support: Enhancing Guidance and Engagement
AI is transforming the way educational institutions support students. Traditional methods, such as in-person tutoring or office hours, are limited by time and availability. AI, however, offers unlimited support through chatbots and virtual assistants, which can answer questions, provide guidance and offer resources at any time of day.
These AI-driven tools offer instant feedback and personalised recommendations. For example, an AI-powered tutor can analyse a student’s performance in real-time and suggest additional resources or study strategies tailored to their needs. This support helps students improve academically and keeps them engaged and motivated throughout their courses.
As Sensay’s Dan Thomson says, AI is brimming with potential and can even analyse patterns in behaviour and performance to predict when a student may be struggling or at risk of dropping out. By identifying these issues early, educators can intervene with targeted support to help students stay on track and reduce drop-out rates.
Task Automation: Streamlining Administrative Processes
Administrative tasks are a necessary but often burdensome part of education. AI helps alleviate this burden by automating routine tasks, leaving educators and administrators more time to focus on teaching and student interaction. For example, AI can assist with scheduling, enrolment and other administrative tasks, reducing staff workload and errors.
AI can also help institutions manage large volumes of data more effectively. By analysing student data, AI can identify trends and insights that can inform decision-making and policy development. This data-driven approach allows learning institutions to optimise their operations, improve resource allocation, and ultimately enhance the educational experience.
AI is certainly reshaping the educational landscape – just look at the research being done by institutions such as Stanford HAI and the World Economic Forum. By personalising online learning, enhancing student support, revolutionising content creation and automating tasks, AI is making education more efficient, accessible and tailored to individual needs. As AI continues to advance, its impact on education will grow, promising a future where learning is more dynamic and inclusive than ever before.
