National Education Day: How To Get The Best Out Of AI - The New Educator Of Modern Era

According to Britannica, artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.

Many moons ago, this may have sounded like a line from a sci-fi novel! Today, it¡¯s a reality in almost every industry.

AI is not a new concept. Many organizations, especially those in the education space, have been using it in some form or another. However, the launch of ChatGPT created a wave of excitement around this innovative technology.

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AI is still at a nascent stage. But the astounding popularity of this technology leaves us with a basic question: Is it a fad or disruption? Only time can tell but AI has already proven to be a powerful tool across industries.

In this article, we touch upon the role of AI in education.

The Benefits of AI for Learners

Facilitates Customization

Like the five fingers of a human hand, every learner is unique. Even the learning preferences and comprehension levels vary. AI tutors use data-driven insights to customize modules for students. This is not practical in manual training models. AI uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand human language and machine learning to recognize patterns.

Makes Learning Accessible

Not all students have the luxury of getting their doubts clarified by a family member. Fortunately, AI-powered chatbots are now available even on mobile phones. Students can access their courses online and get their queries answered anytime on any device. They can also get instant feedback on the assignments and quizzes. This helps save precious time for the learner.

Empowers the Differently-Abled

AI applications can generate text, images, music, and videos in seconds! Similarly, these applications can also break the barriers for students with speech or vision problems. Text-to-speech and dictation software can address this issue. Even the virtual assistants on mobile phones are helpful. AI tools can also describe images to a vision-impaired student. Most importantly, there are AI-powered apps that help students learn Braille.

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The Benefits of AI for Educators

Eases the Administrative Burden

Educators handle a myriad of tasks in addition to taking sessions. They design the curriculum, worksheets, quizzes, and more. They also schedule classes, grade assignments, and provide feedback. This can result in burnout and inaccuracies.

Nowadays, educators can use technology to complete most of their tasks quickly and accurately. Usually, AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms power multiple tools used for several purposes, including content creation, evaluation, and sentiment analysis, to name a few. AI also assists in tasks like editing, translation, and transcription.

Makes Supervision Super easy

When classroom strength increases, monitoring becomes all the more difficult. Remote learning can aggravate this problem. Even the basic task of taking attendance can become challenging.

Today¡¯s HR/attendance tracking software can handle this with ease. Students can mark attendance via a portal or a facial recognition system. Eye-gaze tracking systems use
AI to automate the task of supervision.

Trims Training Costs

Education is a function that requires investments in manpower and resources. Also, multiple stakeholders are required to develop a training program or run an L&D division.

Learning management systems (LMS) help optimize resources for the organization. They enable learners to attend classes from anywhere on any device! They don¡¯t require a physical classroom. Digitalization and automation also help reduce paper documentation and manual work.

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Challenges of AI

Teachers spend years honing their skills. Similarly, AI applications need time, inputs, and training to perform tasks effectively. A biased input can lead to a biased output. This can harm learners. Therefore, educators have to make their tools fair and transparent.

Since AI applications collect a massive amount of data from learners, measures have to be taken to safeguard the same. Learners should be technically enlightened to avoid data breaches and privacy violations.

Technologies, like robotic process automation (RPA), can perform repetitive tasks for educators and administrators. But they are not yet ready to render that much-needed emotional touch. Some engagements are beyond the comprehension of machines since they are based on emotions.

There are rare instances where some learners misuse technology to achieve their goals. Therefore, there is a fear among educators that AI could promote malpractice and deteriorate the learning capabilities of their students.

Summing Up

Artificial intelligence has already created a noticeable impact in the sphere of education. If used ethically, intelligently, and securely, it can help transform the way organizations impart knowledge in the future. Educators can become more effective, and learners can become more knowledgeable in a shorter period of time. However, the sustainable success of AI would depend on the collaboration of all the stakeholders in the ecosystem.

About the author: Sayeed Anjum is the Co-founder and CTO, greytHR. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.