Presence of AI over the years
Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to have taken the world by storm, even though it is not a new invention and has been around for many years. The term refers to the simulation of human intelligence by advanced computer systems that respond like humans and analyze data and patterns to make decisions and learn. AI includes many technologies, such as machine learning or robotics, and is used in a variety of fields, from healthcare to education. It’s a wide-ranging technology that could revolutionize our lives, but it’s interesting to see how it’s evolved over the years and to what lengths it can go. This article will review the history of the technology and focus on the role of AI in education.
History of AI
Early start
Philosophers and researchers have long “flickered” with creating machines that could mimic human intelligence even in ancient times. However, the concept of AI as we know it today was born at the Dartmouth Conference in 1956. The term “artificial intelligence” was coined by John McCarthy, an American computer and cognitive scientist who, along with his colleagues, began shaping the landscape for AI research. He was among the first to discuss problem solving through AI, symbolic reasoning, and machine learning. In fact, it was during this time that researchers began to develop systems that could solve problems using symbolic representations. One of them was Logic Theorist, considered by many to be the first AI program.
Progress and milestones
As time went by, scientists developed more and more AI systems. During the ’60s and ’70s, they built expert systems that could mimic the way humans make decisions using knowledge bases. They were mainly used in the medical field, such as Micin, which could diagnose bacterial infections, and in chemistry, such as Dendrel, which could analyze chemical compounds. Later, in the 80s, machine learning was invented, in which for the first time researchers developed algorithms that could remember patterns and make data-driven predictions. In the ’90s and ’00s, researchers developed algorithms that could understand and generate human language. This was known as natural language processing (NLP), and it began to shape the modern form of AI. From the 10s to today, AI has leveraged data and developed in terms of deep learning and cloud computing.
AI in education
Uses in the past
As mentioned above, logic theorists developed in the 60s were the first attempts to introduce AI to education, as it could solve mathematical theorems. In the following decades, researchers focused on intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), which can provide instruction to students. However, although ambitious, efforts to implement AI have faced some obstacles. During this time, the cost was high, and people were not eager to try it. Furthermore, most of them were not very familiar with the technology, and had strong opinions about whether the systems were correct or not.
Current trends
Nowadays, AI is widely used in education, as AI-powered tutoring systems are able to provide personalized instruction to students. They use machine learning and can customize learning content based on student performance. Adaptive learning platforms are similar, but they use student data to identify strengths and weaknesses, thereby tailoring content accordingly. AI can also be found in virtual or augmented reality and can create immersive learning environments for students, with realistic settings and intelligent gamification elements that support them through the process. Additionally, AI also helps teachers by offering AI-powered grading and feedback systems, thereby automating these tasks to free up their time.
As more and more learning platforms embrace AI, we see learning content adapting to the needs of students. Some programs even offer everyone the opportunity to have their own personal AI tutor to help them on their learning journey. VR classrooms based on AI technology are also starting to emerge, where students can explore virtual environments and gain a deeper understanding of challenging concepts. Additionally, AI supports lifelong learning and recommends courses or fields of study for those who want to continue their education.
AI in the future
In the future, AI in education will be like a personalized system according to which each student learns. Instead of changing to fit the system, the system will change to fit them. For example, people may enter a classroom where everything responds to learning needs. Lighting, sound, lesson pace, and even the way content is presented can change based on real-time feedback on how the student is feeling and focusing. How? When a student feels overwhelmed, bored, or confused, the learning experience is interrupted immediately. Adjusts so AI can detect. Lessons can slow down, change formats, add fun challenges, or offer short breaks without the student asking.
Collaboration will also change. AI can connect students with others around the world based on shared interests or skills, not just age or grade. Group projects can be structured in new ways, combining creative thinkers with analytical projects. Students can also be paired with AI helpers who assist each member of the team.
Teaching will also change its focus, becoming more student-oriented. Teachers can use AI assistants to understand the mood in their classrooms, observe how students are learning, and suggest ways to help before problems arise. This allows teachers to be proactive rather than just reactive to problems. These aids can help teachers try out teaching methods by automatically creating activities, simulations, or challenges when needed.
Finally, the assessment will likely change significantly. In future, students may not take traditional tests. Instead, AI can assess real-time problem solving, creativity, teamwork and critical thinking, continuous and silent learning. The stress of “test day” will be gone, replaced by the natural process of measuring growth.
Challenges of using AI in education
Privacy
AI systems rely on data, which raises concerns about the privacy of sensitive, personal information. Educational facilities that use AI systems should follow local guidelines and regulations and be transparent about the collection and use of data. There are AI technologies, such as facial recognition, that can easily threaten one’s privacy rights and expose them to data breaches or hacking.
Algorithm discrimination
AI systems collect their information online and are trained on datasets. These sources may contain biased information, such as prejudices and racist opinions about certain groups of people. This can lead to unfair decisions and wrong results. For example, an AI grading system may discriminate between racial groups and assign low grades to students who possess certain characteristics, while others may receive high grades. Therefore, educators must ensure that their preferred AI system is trained on diverse and comprehensive datasets.
Absence of human factor
It is believed that if AI takes over the role of teachers and instructors, students will lack critical thinking and social skills. AI systems are effective in supporting students during their learning process, but they lack the emotional connection, which is so important in education. Students will not learn how to behave in social situations, and they will struggle with developing empathy. The role of instructors in shaping people’s behavior is important, especially among younger students of preschool age.
Inequality
Not everyone has access to modern technology and equipment. So, if AI takes over education, there is a fear that millions of people will be excluded from the experience. For example, there are countries that do not have access to the Internet and others that have strict regulations regarding its use. Even in developed countries, there is reluctance to use AI. Before education relies on AI, global leaders must ensure that the digital divide is not widened.
The result
Artificial intelligence has come a long way, and it seems to be at the heart of new technologies. Whether its widespread use will benefit humanity is something we have to see. However, the benefits of AI in education and other fields cannot be denied. Professionals who take advantage of AI and its tools need to be careful and consider the challenges that come with it, as well as how to navigate them. One thing is certain: AI is not finished writing its history pages.
