#280 - What are Student Expectations for AI in Education?
Jul 10, 2024
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Michael Larsen, CEO of Studiosity, focuses on AI-powered support for students. Sally Wheeler, a leader in higher education at Birkbeck, shares insights on student agency and critical thinking. Ant Bagshaw, Executive Director at the Australian Technology Network, discusses policy adaptations for AI in education. They explore student expectations regarding AI in assessments, the potential for instant feedback, and the importance of collaboration between institutions and AI developers. The conversation also emphasizes the need for ethical considerations and diversity in AI applications.
AI has the potential to enhance learning experiences through quick feedback and personalized support, particularly benefiting diverse student needs.
The rise of AI necessitates rethinking traditional assessment strategies to prioritize critical thinking over rote memorization in measuring student success.
Deep dives
Harnessing AI for Diverse Learning Needs
Artificial intelligence has the potential to greatly enhance learning experiences for students, especially those with diverse needs. Tools like AI-powered writing feedback significantly improve the speed and quality of feedback, allowing students to receive assistance on their assignments in a matter of minutes rather than hours. This technology is especially beneficial for non-native speakers and those transitioning between different academic disciplines, providing tailored support that helps bridge gaps in understanding. By leveraging AI, educational institutions can create a more inclusive environment, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Redefining Assessment in the Age of AI
The rise of AI in education prompts critical reevaluation of traditional assessment methods, with calls for innovative approaches to learning evaluation. Traditional exams and standardized tests may no longer suffice in measuring student success, as AI tools can easily complete assignments, blurring the lines of academic integrity. Educators must explore alternative assessment strategies that assess critical thinking and understanding rather than rote memorization. This shift in focus fosters a more comprehensive view of student success, accommodating the complexities of the modern educational landscape.
The Role of Educators in the AI Transformation
As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into the educational sector, the role of educators is evolving significantly. Teachers and academic staff must be empowered to adapt AI tools, ensuring their applications align with educational goals and enhance, rather than undermine, the learning process. Clear policies on AI usage are essential to guide educators in navigating its ethical implications and potentials. By fostering an environment of collaboration between tech developers and educators, institutions can better harness AI's capabilities while preserving academic standards.
Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Education
The implementation of AI in education comes with inherent challenges, chiefly concerning equity and access. Concerns about a growing digital divide highlight the risk that AI advancements could disproportionately benefit wealthier students or institutions, which could exacerbate existing inequalities. However, there is a significant opportunity for universities to leverage AI tools to ensure inclusivity and enhance learning experiences for all students. By focusing on co-designing AI applications with educators and students, institutions can create robust systems that prioritize equitable access to opportunities and resources.
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a transformative force, offering both opportunities and challenges. As AI technologies continue to advance, it's crucial to examine their impact on student expectations, learning experiences, and institutional strategies. One pressing question is: what do students truly want from AI in education? Are they reflecting on the value of their assessments and assignments when AI tools can potentially complete them? This begs the deeper question of what we mean by student success in higher education and the purpose of knowledge in an AI-driven economy. Professor Rose Luckin is joined by three wonderful guests in the studio to discuss what tools we need to support students and how we explore the potential and the limitations of AI for education.
Guests:
Michael Larsen, CEO & Managing Director, Studiosity
Sally Wheeler, Professor, Vice-Chancellor, Birkbeck, University of London
Ant Bagshaw, Executive Director, Australian Technology Network of Universities
Talking points and questions include:
Student expectations and perspectives on using AI for assessments/assignments and the role of knowledge in an AI economy
The potential of AI to enhance learning through features like instant feedback, error correction, personalized support, learning analytics
How AI could facilitate peer support systems and student community, and the research on the value of this
The lack of robust digital/AI strategies at many institutions as a barrier to effective AI adoption
The evidence-base for AI in education - challenges with research being highly specific/contextual, debating the value of in-house research vs general studies
Whether evidence on efficacy truly drives institutions' buying decisions for AI tools or if other factors/institutional challenges are stronger influences
How challenges facing the education sector can inhibit capacity for innovative deployments like AI
The growing need for proven, supportive AI tools for students despite institutional constraints
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