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AI In The Classroom: Changing The Shape Of Education
![Image by Anilsharma26 on Pixabay]()
Image by Anilsharma26 on Pixabay
Artificial intelligence (AI) is predicted to cause major changes to day-to-day life, including the way young people are educated.
It is anticipated that AI will have a significant impact on the education system, altering aspects of teaching such as lesson delivery and how young people are prepared for adulthood.
Some negative effects of AI are already being seen throughout schools, colleges and universities. In many cases, institutes are struggling to distinguish between authentic and computer automated essays or homework answers.
While AI is expected to bring challenges to education, others argue that ethical and well-researched use of such technology will be highly beneficial in many areas.
Julian David, the CEO of TechUK said: “AI promises to be one of the most impactful technologies of our lifetimes … The tech sector stands ready and willing to work closely with the government and education sector to ensure we can use AI in the best possible way to support pupils and educate them.”
Some organisations have also shown generative AI to be a positive change for educators.
Twinkl, an online educational publishing house, have launched their own AI tools including a report writer. With this, teachers are asked to provide a few key details on a student, including their name and subjects, before a personalised, detailed report is generated.
The aim of such technology is to free up time for teachers, allowing them to dedicate all their efforts to the education of young people.
Code Ninjas, an organisation providing coding lessons for children, also acknowledges the value of AI in the classroom.
They state that: “For educators, AI simplifies the process of individualised teaching. Teachers can allocate more time to developing and implementing personalised teaching approaches by automating administrative tasks such as grading and creating lesson plans.”
Code Ninjas have also identified other areas in which AI can benefit student education, suggesting that AI provides a new way of fostering children’s creativity.
They believe that AI technology offers students access to new tools and resources, allowing them to explore their interests and ideas in different ways.
For example, by utilising AI-powered search engines, children can access subject specific information and content recommendations, meaning they can explore concepts and perspectives they would otherwise not encounter.
The use of AI in classrooms is also important for preparing young people for an AI integrated world.
With technologies constantly advancing, an AI-filled future becomes more likely. Because of this, it is necessary to introduce young people to AI and develop their understandings of what it could mean for their day-to-day life.
Code Ninjas argue that providing children with skills and adequate knowledge of such technology will help them to “embrace the AI-driven world and shape it’s future positively and responsibly.”
Across the UK, schools are becoming more aware of the effects artificial intelligence may have on the education system.
The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has called for evidence to better understand the negatives and positives of AI.
By seeking the views and experiences of professionals across schools, colleges and universities, it is hoped that future decisions on the use of AI can be well-informed and beneficial to both students and teachers.