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Published on Sep 17, 2019
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is making big waves in education. Machines intelligence has changed the way we teach students, organize curriculum, collect data and hire teachers. Not long ago, there was a prediction about AI and technology replacing teachers in the classroom, but that’s not happening anytime soon. Teachers are still responsible for analyzing the data that is presented and making human judgment calls.
So, instead of taking our jobs, AI is being used in education to make them a little easier. The tools we use every day are becoming smarter and more capable of doing predictable work faster. In many cases, this leaves teachers time to focus on other matters. It also helps students target their practice to skills they still need to learn. And it helps districts consider high-level data to make choices about staffing and curriculum. Keep reading to find out how and where AI is being seamlessly integrated into education.
Curriculum software products and apps use AI to assess students by collecting data about them through the learning process. Students don’t have to be subjected to question after question testing skills they already know in order to move on. The AI-integrated software you probably already use can assess student work and answers and decide what type of work the student should receive next. If a student is excelling, the work and assessments get harder. If a student needs more practice, that’s what they get.
As teachers, you get to see the data that supports what level students are working on. But this cycle of learning is left up to the AI. In classwork time, this would be hours and even days’ worth of work and prep. You’d teach, test, grade, analyze the test data, decide groupings, reteach, retest, etc. AI makes it so student achievement keeps kids moving forward and they don’t have to wait for grades and groupings.
AI can analyze and disaggregate data quickly. So, if your class takes a test online, the program can tell you the areas where large groups of students have misunderstandings. This points to a flaw or gap in instruction and curriculum that you can remedy. By using the warnings and data reports provided by AI, teachers can make sure all students are receiving foundational skills.
What’s more, in some programs, AI can recognize that there’s been a high percentage of students struggling with a certain question and can offer feedback prompts to future students to guide them to the correct answer.
There are now tutoring programs comprised of texting with AI. Students can submit questions and math problems they need help with and the program will respond with support and steps. Students can text back to replies and the conversation will continue.
These programs focus on the fundamentals and aren’t teaching higher-level critical thinking skills, so that’s still up to the teacher. But imagine how many students could be helped by text message. This type of programming is especially beneficial for students who are too afraid to ask for help.
Your browsers and search engines collect information about users and searches. This means that most of what you see online is filtered through a lens of what you like, what you’re looking for and what people you know like and are looking for, so we often receive one-sided news and updates. Use this information with your students to consider how AI is creating bias and, conversely, how it can help overcome bias. Students can compare their search results and discover more about their preferences and become critical thinkers about what type of content they’re consuming.
Colleges are already using AI to recruit students. Big data helps with that. But other school communities can use AI to help strengthen programs. Applicant tracking software programs can be tailored for the education community so that schools and districts looking for teachers can do so based on data and analytics. AI could potentially predict a teacher’s longevity at a school and even their happiness based on personal factors, philosophies and pedagogical styles.
If the potential of AI in education has got you excited about the future, consider enrolling in the Master of Science in Instructional Technology degree program at Grand Canyon University.
To learn more about how Grand Canyon University’s College of Education provides teachers with the latest educational research and methods, visit our website or click the Request More Information button on this page.
More About Amanda:
Amanda Ronan is a writer and editor focused on education. She was a classroom teacher for nearly a decade. Now she spends her time writing for students, teachers and parents. Amanda also writes curriculum for entrepreneurial learning and financial literacy programs. Amanda lives in Austin where she enjoys splashing in creeks with her husband and two dogs, swaying in a hammock on the porch and sampling all the breakfast tacos the city has to offer.
