How Artificial Intelligence can Help Revolutionise the World’s Education System

Artificial Intelligence is tipped to bring a tectonic shift in the world. People have debated over its usefulness in great lengths and detail. Today, the biggest fear is that AI will be a threat to jobs. And the alternative to that is to create a robust system of education. But, would it possible to use AI and train a breed of students that would be resistant to the ills of the technology? Is there a common ground?

So, by now, we know that Obama has always been scepticalof Artificial Intelligence. And so has been Elon Musk. However, both of them believe that the only way to not let AI ruin the future of mankind is by putting in special efforts in the world’s education system. Mark Zuckerberg tells us that AI is the most wonderful tech innovation to happen alongside the IoT. Opinions have been divided by what is truly a future disruptive technology.

And, that got us thinking if there is after all a common link to all the aspects of AI presented by people belonging to either side of the pond? What could be common between making AI a helpful technology, and at the same time educate people on as to how to tame the mammoth tech development. And the answer was right infront of us. See, if AI has such a huge potential, then why not use it to strengthen the world’s education system? That way, people can make the best use of AI and at the same time also educate millions of other people.

Now, the use of AI in education is not a very new topic. AI in some form or the other has already made its way to modern classrooms. But clearly, with the world still fighting over the technology, that doesn’t seem to be enough. People are still sceptical. The need of the hour then becomes to identify how AI can play a major role in strengthening the education system of various countries. After all, Artificial Intelligence is a classic example of how something new could be used to change every aspect of our lives when we change the lens. And education is a field of million opportunities. There is always a scope to grow. And perhaps the correct use of AI in the education system could make the world a better place to live.

The change in the field of education has to start from outside the classrooms. Only then will the impact of AI be holistic. One of the simplest but impactful things AI can do for the educational space is to speed up the administrative process both for institutions and educators. The tedious process of grading homework, evaluating essays and measuring student responses can require valuable time from lecturers and teachers who would prefer to focus on their lesson planning and one-on-one time with students.

Machines are already capable of automating the grading process for multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank tests. Soon, they will be able to assist and eventually replace human grading for written response work as well. Admissions processes can also be streamlined and improved, reducing the workload for high volume admissions offices. Automating the process of paperwork and support for students with common admissions questions via chatbot and interactive website materials can improve the process for both administrators and future students.

Let’s face it. Teachers and parents don’t always come handy for the inquisitive mind of a child. Plus, it is hard to get assistance from them all the time. Simply because they can’t be always available. And this is where AI powered tutors could come in. Through AI, tutoring and study programs are will grow more advanced, capable of teaching fundamentals to students struggling with basic concepts.

Already, there are intelligent tutoring systems such as Carnegie Learning that use data to provide feedback and work with students directly. These tools are designed to support teacher and tutor approaches to student difficulties but soon will be more advanced and capable of providing specific details for students as well.