Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors, and education is no exception. From personalised learning experiences to automated administrative tasks, AI is transforming traditional educational paradigms. This technology not only enhances the learning experience by tailoring content to individual needs but also empowers educators to focus more on teaching and less on routine tasks.
…now what if I told you that the first paragraph was entirely written by AI? Perhaps a little hard to believe five years ago, but as the growth and functionality of AI exponentially increases, we need to explore the impact – positive and negative – this technology has and will have on our educational settings, from teaching to tutoring.
Expanding Educational Resources and Methods
AI-generated tools and systems have significantly expanded the variety and quality of educational resources and methods available not only to students, but also to teachers and tutors. Gone are the days where educators had to rely purely on textbooks and static materials!
During lesson planning stages, AI chat boxes can be used to generate and brainstorm lesson content as well as revise and update lessons according to recent developments in the subject (especially useful for the sciences). These same AI tools can help educators bounce back ideas and even review lesson plans, making them the perfect collaboration tool.
When used efficiently, AI can even streamline administrative tasks that can take away time from the actual teaching. According to this study, these can include:
• Simplifying bureaucracy such as exam grading and feedback more quickly than they take up a large portion of the instructor’s time.
• Identifying each student’s unique learning style and preferences, allowing them to build customised learning programmes.
Next time you hold a lesson, consider using an AI-powered platform, which often includes gamification elements, such as rewards and badges, to motivate students and make learning fun. This method can significantly enhance student engagement and persistence, especially for younger learners, which are crucial for long-term academic success.
In fact, the possibilities are endless: AI can even offer virtual and augmented reality experiences which can be integrated in a tutoring session, making complex subjects more tangible and easier to understand. For example, in subjects like biology or physics, VR can offer 3D visualizations of cellular processes or other physical phenomena!
Potential Drawbacks: Over-Reliance and Cheating
As we’ve seen in many news items as of late, the nature of AI systems can make it easier for students to cheat: whether it’s writing that long-winded paper on the ethics of Shakespeare’s Hamlet or getting through that online assessment.
With the ability to generate answers quickly and provide solutions to complex problems, students may be tempted to rely on AI to do their work rather than understanding the material themselves. If students use AI to complete their assignments without genuinely engaging with the content, they miss out on the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In a moderated and controlled exam environment, these same students will find themselves floundering. According to the Joint Council for Qualification, there exist heavy penalties for malpractice which just aren’t worth the risk.
If students are genuinely struggling to engage with the material or understand how to tackle assessments, human tutors (online and in person) can provide the encouragement, personalised support, and mentorship that AI systems currently cannot replicate. At Titanium Tutors, we’re lucky to have a range of tutors who offer an assortment of qualifications and experience which may be best suited for any learner. Engaging with a tutor can help students develop a deeper understanding of the material and build the confidence to tackle subjects independently.
Considerations For the Future
As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in education, we as educators and students need to balance these advancements with mindful considerations of potential drawbacks. According to an article from The Guardian, as these technologies increase so too do the tools used to detect them after all.
Educators, students, and policymakers must work collaboratively to harness the benefits of AI while maintaining the integrity of the industry. By doing so, we can all ensure that AI serves as a powerful tool to augment, rather than replace the invaluable human elements of teaching and learning!
Blog Post Crafted by Cheryl
Cheryl manages our Admin Team, and is a qualified teacher with 5 years' experience in schools across England and Canada.
Cheryl graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Education. She tutored secondary school students in English for over nine years in Canada.
Cheryl speaks Cantonese, English and French, and in her spare time, she can be found illustrating and reading children’s books for inspiration.
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