Could you navigate the streets without GPS? What about crafting an essay free of errors? Could you accomplish that task without spell check? Despite many media reports portraying artificial intelligence (AI) as a recent innovation, it has actually existed for decades. GPS and spell check serve as just two illustrations of how AI plays a crucial role in the technologies we rely on daily.
The emergence of ChatGPT, however, has had a profound impact on the world. The potential applications of generative AI in creating content and driving advancements across various fields and aspects of contemporary life are rapidly evolving, fundamentally transforming how we access information. This transformation is particularly evident in the realm of education.
Students are leveraging AI to finish assignments, educators are utilizing it to design lesson plans, and educational institutions are using it to offer personalized assistance to students. Nonetheless, there remains a lack of clear guidelines regarding the utilization of AI, which could give rise to new challenges extending beyond issues of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, and data security.
One notable concern is what is commonly known as digital amnesia. Individuals tend to forget information that is readily accessible through search engines. Frequently, individuals search for the same word, concept, or fact multiple times, as the brain fails to retain the information. This phenomenon, termed the “Google effect,” has been shown by research to negatively impact one’s ability to retain critical information.
AI has the potential to exacerbate the issue of knowledge and skills amnesia to a new degree. When AI tools are employed to complete homework tasks, the knowledge and skills that would have been acquired through completing those assignments are bypassed. Similarly, when AI is used to make decisions in problem-solving scenarios, there is a risk of impeding the development of crucial cognitive abilities and intellectual creativity.
The proliferation of diverse AI tools is also prompting fundamental questions about what subjects should be prioritized and emphasized in educational curricula. While the adoption of calculators streamlined certain tasks such as large number multiplication and division, enabling more time to be allocated to developing other skills, it remains imperative for students to grasp essential arithmetic skills as they form the foundation for mastering more complex mathematical concepts.
Hence, policymakers and educators must carefully assess how the integration of AI will impact long-term learning outcomes before incorporating it into educational settings. Without a thorough consideration of the consequences of utilizing AI in ways that shortcut the learning process, there is a risk of generating adverse educational repercussions that are presently unforeseen, potentially exacerbating existing disparities in education.
Responsible integration of AI necessitates creating opportunities for active engagement in learning activities. AI tools can be leveraged to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills, providing users with learning experiences that enhance engagement and empowerment.
A recent study explored the potential use of AI in this manner. Through an AI-supported professional development initiative, math teachers engaged in activities related to their daily teaching responsibilities, with an AI tool subsequently analyzing their work. The tool identified areas where teachers required additional support and furnished them with targeted questions to enhance their skills. By emphasizing hands-on learning, teachers not only enhanced their knowledge and competencies but also improved their students’ academic performance.
This research underscores the capacity for AI to function as a valuable resource for educators. It can evaluate students’ work, pinpointing those in need of extra assistance, and propose evidence-based strategies for teachers to adapt their instruction to address students’ requirements.
As AI tools become more prevalent, it is imperative for state and district leaders to scrutinize the offerings of vendors closely. Will these new AI tools enrich and empower teachers and learners, or will they foster passivity? To address this critical question, educators should be afforded the opportunity to explore how these tools will support students before decisions are finalized.
Another significant concern is the potential overreliance of teachers and students on the information provided by AI. Generative AI operates based on the data it has been trained on, and as evidenced, AI can make errors that only a proficient user can detect. The criteria and data utilized in AI tools for grading student work, offering guidance on addressing learning gaps, or enhancing student competencies may be insufficient, potentially perpetuating biases and inequalities prevalent in our educational institutions and society.
To avert these potential pitfalls, it is imperative that experts from diverse backgrounds participate in the development of AI tools for education. These tools should undergo rigorous evaluation by subject matter specialists and pedagogical experts to ensure they are effective before being introduced into classrooms. No AI tool should be implemented without clearly documented data privacy protocols and tangible evidence of its positive impact on teaching and learning.
There is no aversion to leveraging AI to enrich the learning experience. On the contrary, when used judiciously, AI holds immense promise in supporting educators and empowering learners. However, policymakers and educators must pose pertinent inquiries regarding its application and take precautionary measures to discern which tools will be beneficial and which might hinder the teaching and learning process.
