Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword in the field of education. Many people believe that AI can be the answer to the educational crisis. AI has been used to automate many processes and improve the efficiency of education systems. It’s important to understand that AI is not a panacea for all the problems in education.
AI and standardized testing
Standardized tests have long been used to measure student achievement, but they have their limitations. One test cannot show how educated or gifted a student is and standardized testing can put too much pressure on students. AI could be used to supplement standardized testing allowing for a more holistic evaluation of a student’s knowledge and skills.
As we mentioned earlier, AI is only as good as the quality of its input data. Therefore, the input data used to train AI systems must be accurate and unbiased.
Inequity in education
Inequity in education is a significant problem, especially when it comes to financial resources. Students who come from families with fewer resources may not have access to the same level of education as those from wealthier families. For example, the stats by the UN shows that 17% of all children all over the world cannot go to school. AI could be used to address this problem by making education more accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation.
For example, AI-powered chatbots can provide online support to students who don’t have access to teachers or tutors.
Creating individual learning plans
Another challenge in education is the inability to create an individual learning plan for each student. With AI, educators can analyze student data to create personalized learning plans that meet each student’s unique needs. AI can identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses and suggest the most effective teaching methods for each student. This could help educators better understand each student’s learning style and provide a more personalized educational experience.
AI bias and the need for responsible AI
It’s important to understand that AI systems are not free from bias. An AI system is only as good as the quality of its input data, and if that data is biased, the AI system will be biased as well, as stated in AI bias exploration by ExpressVPN. The Algorithmic Justice League, an organization dedicated to advocating against AI-based discrimination, states that until the AI Bill of Rights is enforced as law, there will be too many loopholes that allow AI bias to go undetected.
Therefore, creators need to develop AI systems with responsible AI principles in mind to avoid bias. The AI Bill of Rights is a roadmap that should be leveraged for greater consent and equity, but there is still a need for lawmakers to develop government policy that puts this blueprint into law.
Conclusion
AI has the potential to solve many of the educational crises but it’s important to approach it responsibly. We need to ensure that AI is not biased and that it’s being used to supplement, not replace, traditional teaching methods. With responsible use, AI can help make education more accessible and personalized providing a better learning experience for students.