- Predictive Technologies and AI in Education:
AI refers to artificial intelligence, where we ask the computer to think and perform like humans. It can change the way we learn and teach in schools. I have heard about GPT generators and Grammarly. However, I do not use these tools because I always fear academic integrity. What I have heard from others is that it makes learning easier and more enjoyable.
- Benefits of AI in Education:
Although we always hear the negative side of AI, I believe AI can be beneficial in education. AI can help students because personalized learning is more tailored to students’ needs. Students can finally learn at their speed and methods. Moreover, educators can use AI tools to grade and understand the trends of their students. Manual grading can result in errors but AI can solve this issue if they are programmed well enough. This is different from the traditional setting. It is a game changer for both learners and educators.
- Challenges of AI in Education:
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AI may sound beneficial but they also come with many challenges. We have to understand that not all learners have access to the same material. Moreover, there are a lot of privacy issues that come with AI. I will talk about more in the next section but basically, I am concerned about the data collection part of AI. Lastly, it is difficult to assume these AI tools are unbiased. I always see the terms and considerations before using the AI tools from UVic and they scare me away.
- Ethical Considerations of AI in Education:
Ethical considerations of AI should be widely talked about. First of all, most of the AI tools collect data from users to generate some useful insights. We may not know where our information flows and it may be dangerous. Most of these tools do not start from scratch. In many aspects of EdTech, we have mentioned privacy in numerous settings. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to the issue.
Moreover, many students may start to over-rely on these tools. Over time, they may not know how to react or solve the issues by themselves. Using AI responsibly is the main goal educators or learners should achieve. Maybe they can test them out before approving and letting students use them.
- Future Directions in EdTech:
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The future of edtech can be exciting, with the introduction of VR technology, augmented technology, and many more. These technologies may sound exciting but scary at the same time because humans are not used to seeing these advanced technologies. I think these technologies can make learning less boring. In the meantime, we have to pay attention to equity, accessibility, and ethics. AI does not have the emotional capabilities to understand what users need. Inclusiveness should be the main priority before developing these AI tools.v
