There has been a significant increase in interest in artificial intelligence (AI) in education. As an engaged researcher in educational approaches, I’ve encountered a wide range of perspectives on AI – from enthusiastic endorsement to cautious doubt. This blog post explores AI’s potential to function as both a collaborator and a competitor in education, drawing on my personal experiences and insights.

AI as a friend: The learning companion

AI surpasses simple automation by augmenting cognitive capabilities and providing tailored educational encounters. AI is positively impacting education through the following means:

• Personalised learning: Envision a classroom where each student receives an individualised learning experience. AI-driven adaptive learning systems customise instructional content to meet individual needs, improving student engagement and academic performance (Means et al., 2014).
• Data-driven insights: Have you ever wondered how educators can enhance their comprehension of student needs? AI analytics provide essential insights into students’ learning patterns, allowing for personalised interventions. By analysing comprehensive data, AI helps pinpoint where students struggle and need extra help (Luckin & Holmes, 2016).
• Engaging educational experiences: Virtual laboratories and simulations enabled by AI allow students to actively participate in experiential learning, especially in disciplines such as science and engineering. These immersive experiences facilitate skill practice in a secure environment (Means et al., 2014).
• Professional development: AI isn’t just for students. It also benefits educators by offering instant feedback and customised resources for their professional growth. By staying updated with the latest teaching strategies, educators can strengthen their instructional practices (Selwyn, 2019). Personally, AI has transformed my approach to enhancing my skills, providing personalised learning pathways and immediate feedback.

Practical applications: Holographic teaching

In my current organisation, we use holograms to enhance teaching. This technology allows teachers to display life-sized 3D visuals in several classes simultaneously, which is game-changing because it:

• enhances accessibility by connecting teachers with students across different regions, ensuring high-quality education for all. This facilitates the bridging of geographical distances and ensures consistent educational content delivery.
• increases engagement through 3D technology, which creates a stronger sense of presence and interaction, maintaining students’ attention better than conventional methods. This interactive method helps sustain student engagement during instructional sessions.

AI as a foe: Challenges and concerns

Although AI has numerous advantages, it also poses certain difficulties:

• Over-reliance and critical thinking: Overly depending on AI can diminish the ability to engage in critical thinking and foster innovation. AI should augment, rather than supplant, human cognitive processes. Students who excessively depend on AI may encounter difficulties in developing independent problem-solving skills, as they grow overly habituated to solutions supplied by AI (Selwyn, 2019).
• Ethical considerations: Ensuring the appropriate use of AI involves addressing issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias and the digital divide. Equal access to AI tools and preventing AI systems from reinforcing biases are crucial (Luckin & Holmes, 2016).
• Implementation barriers: Integrating AI into education requires significant investment in infrastructure and training, which can provide challenges for certain institutions. Schools need adequate resources, including hardware, software and professional development opportunities for educators, to successfully integrate AI technology (Means et al., 2014).

‘As a researcher, I’ve seen AI empower educators and learners. However, it is essential to balance enthusiasm with caution.’

Reflecting on my journey

As a researcher, I’ve seen AI empower educators and learners. However, it is essential to balance enthusiasm with caution. I use AI to augment my research and teaching, ensuring it complements traditional methods. AI tools have enhanced my ability to examine extensive datasets, resulting in more streamlined insights and improved educational strategies. By focusing on complex tasks such as data interpretation, I improve the overall quality of my work.

What’s next?

The potential of AI in education is highly promising, but its successful implementation requires careful integration. My future research will focus on the ‘ethical and equitable use’ of AI in educational settings. Addressing concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and accessibility is crucial to ensuring AI benefits all learners. As we integrate AI into education, we must reflect on past experiences and share specialised knowledge. How can we harness AI to create inclusive and effective learning environments? What strategies can promote responsible AI use in education?

References

Luckin, R., & Holmes, W. (2016). Intelligence unleashed: An argument for AI in education. UCL Knowledge Lab.

Means, B., Bakia, M., & Murphy, R. (2014). Learning online: What research tells us about whether, when, and how. Routledge, Taylor & Francis.

Selwyn, N. (2019). Should robots replace teachers? AI and the Future of Education (1st edn). Polity Press.