Artificial intelligence is a rapid disruption that has taken the world by storm. Speaking of the education sector, it has many positives but needs to be integrated with caution and a clear vision.
It is important for educators to understand the cases of AI and what it is capable of achieving. For example, AI can help with doubt solving, generating more worksheets and problems, and even make the job of content development for report generation easier. However, AI cannot help in developing higher order thinking skills like critical thinking, design thinking, lateral thinking, among others. In some cases, one might find that the learners may end up with the same set of answers for a particular problem, since their AI-assisted answer will be the same for all.
In a rapidly evolving world where AI is sure to result in a change in the kinds of jobs available, students need to be taught how to use AI in the most optimum manner. Today, most students are using it to solve their simple assignments. In two years from now, they will realize that when everybody starts doing this, use of AI will become the norm. In that scenario, they will have to learn how to improvise, iterate and use AI to get a jumpstart on everyone.
Some of the pros of AI in education are:
1. Intelligent learning
2. Personalised learning
3. Assist in grading and assessment at every stage of learning
4. Improving course content and adding Virtual learning
5. Customised books for schools
6. Empowering special children
Some of the cons of AI in education are:
1. To begin with, AI can be costly.
2. Students end up with the same types of answers.
3. Too much dependence on AI for problem solving.
4. Danger of being repetitive
5. No thinking process on the part of the learners.
The current implementation of AI in educational setups is still very nascent and in its early phases. But one thing is for sure, AI will not replace teachers or classrooms. It will help them.
Director
Pitambar Publishing Company
Speaking about textbooks and study materials, they will continue to be the binding source for teaching and learning provided they integrate AI and technology. AI has brought about a major change in the way it is developed. Contemporary textbooks need to test higher order thinking skills while also providing information and information gateways.
While piquing student’s interest in topic areas, they also need to guide them to research more and learn more about subjects through the Internet and technology. Also, providing students with AI-based resources within textbooks to maximise learning opportunities beyond the textbook has become very crucial for holistic learning. As a publisher, I have spent a lot of time understanding and achieving this goal.
