Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in education, offering both potential benefits and concerns. In this blog post, we will delve into the contrasting aspects of AI in education, discussing its positive contributions as well as the potential drawbacks.
Are AI systems, like ChatGPT, creating lazy students and dehumanising schooling, or are they bringing a much needed support system to learning?
The Good: Leveraging AI for Enhanced Learning
Personalised and Adaptive Learning: AI-powered adaptive learning systems provide tailored and personalised learning experiences. This is a notable advantage to neurodivergent students, accommodating their unique needs and learning styles. By analysing individual data, AI algorithms offer targeted support, such as customised content and interactive features, promoting engagement and inclusivity in education.
Efficient Teacher Support: AI can assist educators by automating administrative tasks, such as grading assessments - Gillian Keegan, Education Secretary, agreed that AI could do some of the “heavy lifting” for teachers in marking and lesson planning.This automation frees up valuable time for teachers to provide more personalised feedback and focus on higher-order tasks, fostering stronger teacher-student relationships and supporting student growth.
The Bad: Ethical Concerns and Potential Risks
Algorithmic Bias and Reinforcement of Inequalities: AI systems are prone to biases that may perpetuate social and cultural inequalities. If not carefully designed and monitored, these systems can inadvertently disadvantage certain groups, reinforce stereotypes, and exacerbate educational disparities rather than reducing them.
Balancing Technology and Human Interaction: Critics argue that AI, while enhancing learning, cannot replace vital human interactions in education. Strong teacher-student relationships foster motivation, engagement, and mental well-being. Face-to-face interactions provide empathy, understanding, and mentorship, essential for students' mental health. Overreliance on AI may hinder these connections, impacting student well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AI has the potential to enhance learning experiences in education, offering personalised and adaptive approaches. However, ethical concerns regarding algorithmic biases and the devaluation of human interaction need to be addressed. Striking a balance between leveraging AI's benefits and preserving the essential role of human teachers is crucial.
Platforms like Shortlist.Me exemplify how AI can support student confidence and relieve some strain from teachers through inclusive interview and assessment feedback, analysing student recordings for factors such as filler words, speak rate, and usage of 'I' versus 'We'. This AI-supported review can be complemented by face-to-face teaching, ensuring a balanced approach to evaluation. Educators benefit from having access to this feedback, saving time and enabling targeted support.
By addressing ethical considerations and utilising AI as a tool, education can harness its potential to enhance learning while maintaining the important aspects of human connection.
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If you'd like to learn more about how Shortlist.Me could integrate positive AI into your institution, get in touch today!