Artificial intelligence & learning:
Will AI transform how we teach?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no doubt a topic of interest at the moment, the possibilities are vast with the potential to revolutionise many aspects of our lives, including education. As AI technologies continue to advance, educators are increasingly exploring how these tools can be leveraged to enhance teaching and learning practices. However, the question arises: Will AI transform how we teach in the future?

This article delves into the intersection of AI and Australian education, examining the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of integrating AI into the learning process. Drawing from the latest research and expert insights, we will explore how AI can be harnessed to personalise learning, improve student outcomes, and support educators in their roles.

One of the most promising aspects of AI in education is its ability to tailor learning experiences. By analysing student data, AI systems can identify areas where students excel or struggle, and adjust the learning content and pace accordingly. This personalisation can lead to improved engagement, motivation, and ultimately, better learning outcomes[2].

Adaptive learning and personalisation

Adaptive learning is a key area where AI is making a significant impact. By using algorithms to analyse student performance data, adaptive learning platforms can dynamically adjust the content, difficulty level, and pace of instruction to match each student’s individual needs and learning style[3].

One example of a successful adaptive learning platform is Carnegie Learning’s MATHia, which uses AI to provide personalised math instruction to students. MATHia analyses student responses and adjusts the content accordingly, providing targeted feedback and practice opportunities to help students master key concepts[4].

The rise of AI in education

AI has already made significant inroads into the education sector, with a range of tools and applications designed to enhance the learning experience. From adaptive learning platforms that tailor content to individual students’ needs, to intelligent tutoring systems that provide real-time feedback and guidance, AI is in the process of transforming the way we approach education[1].

Another example is Knewton, a US company that provides adaptive learning solutions for a range of subjects. Knewton’s platform collects data on student performance, learning preferences, behaviour, and uses AI algorithms to create personalised learning paths for each student[5].

Intelligent tutoring systems

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) is another area where AI is making a significant impact in education. These systems use AI algorithms to provide real-time feedback and guidance to students, mimicking the role of a human tutor providing real time feedback[6].

One example of an ITS is the ‘Cognitive Tutor’, developed by Carnegie Learning. The Cognitive Tutor uses AI to analyse student responses and provide targeted feedback and hints to help students solve problems. Studies have shown that students using the Cognitive Tutor can achieve significant gains in learning outcomes compared to those using traditional instructional methods[7].

Another example is ‘AutoTutor’, developed by researchers at the University of Memphis. AutoTutor uses natural language processing and dialogue management algorithms to engage students in conversational interactions, providing feedback and guidance as they work through problems[8].

Challenges and limitations

While AI has the potential to transform education, there are also significant challenges and limitations to consider. One key challenge is the need for high-quality data to train these AI systems. Without access to large, diverse datasets, AI algorithms may struggle to accurately model student learning and provide effective personalisation. In time as the data grows and develops AI systems will become more reliable and provide better results.

However, another challenge is the potential for bias in AI systems. If the data used to train AI algorithms is biased or incomplete, the resulting system may perpetuate or amplify those biases. This is a particular concern in education, where AI systems could potentially reinforce existing inequalities or disadvantage certain groups of students. Schools need to be mindful of the potential issues that arise from using AI and ensure it complements their policies and curriculum.

There are valid concerns about AI’s potential to replace human teachers entirely, but it’s important to recognise the distinct qualities that human educators bring to the classroom; qualities that are difficult for AI to replicate. While AI can significantly enhance education by providing personalised learning experiences, adaptive content delivery, and data-driven insights, it lacks the important, essential human elements such as empathy, creativity, and the ability to respond to complex emotional and social dynamics.

Human teachers play a crucial role in understanding students’ unique emotional and developmental needs. They can interpret non-verbal cues, provide moral guidance, and create a nurturing environment that supports holistic growth; things AI cannot replicate. Moreover, teachers are adept at fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and creativity, which are key to developing well-rounded individuals. AI, in contrast, is limited to processing data and following pre-set algorithms, and while it can support learning, it lacks the human touch necessary for navigating nuanced social situations or fostering meaningful connections with students.

As we know, education is not just about knowledge transfer, it involves mentorship, inspiration, and guidance; all things that stem from human interaction. Teachers serve as role models, helping students develop not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Therefore, while AI has its place in augmenting education, the idea of completely replacing human teachers in the foreseeable future is highly unlikely. Instead, the most promising educational model is one where AI supports and enhances the work of human teachers, creating a more dynamic and personalised learning environment.

Human teachers & AI working together

As AI becomes more prevalent in education, it is important for human teachers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively leverage these technologies in their classroom. Using AI in combination is the best approach.

This may include:

• Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI systems
• Developing strategies for integrating AI tools and technologies into their teaching practice
• Providing feedback and guidance to AI systems to improve their performance and practicality
• Teaching AI systems classroom requirements and expectations to reach better outcomes

By embracing AI as a tool to enhance, human teachers can help ensure that these technologies are used in ways that support and empower students, rather than replace the essential role of human educators in the learning process.

AI & grading

AI can assist in grading through the automation of routine tasks like scoring multiple-choice or short-answer questions, reducing the workload for teachers and enabling faster feedback. This allows educators to focus more on providing personalised instruction and fostering creativity in students, as the time-consuming nature of grading is alleviated.

Beyond basic assessments, AI is also being applied to more complex tasks such as evaluating essays and written work. Using natural language processing (NLP), AI can analyse grammar, structure, and even provide feedback on clarity and argumentation. While AI excels at objective and technical elements like grammar checking, it still faces challenges in fully understanding context, nuance, and creativity, areas where human oversight is essential.

AI tools can also support formative assessments, helping teachers identify areas where students are struggling and providing targeted interventions. By tracking patterns in student performance, AI systems can offer insights that help educators tailor their teaching strategies to individual student needs.

However, it’s important to note that AI in grading is not without limitations. The technology must be used carefully to avoid bias and ensure fairness in assessment, as algorithms may unintentionally favour certain writing styles or structures. Additionally, human judgment remains crucial in assessing complex cognitive skills and fostering the emotional and relational aspects of learning that AI cannot replicate.

Ethical Considerations

As AI becomes more prevalent in education, it is important to consider the ethical implications of these technologies. One key concern is the potential for AI to infringe on student privacy by collecting and analysing large amounts of personal data.

As mentioned, another concern is the potential for AI to perpetuate existing biases and inequalities in education. If AI systems are trained on data that reflects historical biases or inequalities, they may reinforce those biases in their recommendations and decisions.

To address these concerns, it is important for educators and policymakers to develop clear guidelines and frameworks for the ethical use of AI in education.

This may include measures such as:

• Ensuring transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems
• Protecting student privacy and data rights
• Regularly auditing AI systems for bias and fairness
• Involving diverse stakeholders in the design and implementation of AI in education

The future of AI in education

So here is the burning question: Will AI transform the way we teach? Yes, there will be transformation as these new technologies are developed and find their place in schools and classrooms in Australia into the future. As AI continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more transformative applications of these technologies in education.

Some potential future developments may include:

• Intelligent virtual assistants that can provide personalised support and guidance to students 24/7
• AI-powered learning environments that can adapt in real-time to student needs and preferences
• AI-generated content and assessments that can provide more accurate and reliable measures of student learning
• AI-powered career guidance and planning tools that can help students identify their strengths and interests and map out personalised career paths

The future of AI in education will not solely be driven by technological advancements, but by how effectively educators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders collaborate to integrate these tools in a way that truly benefits students. While AI has the potential to revolutionise learning, it is crucial that its implementation aligns with the core principles and values of education, such as equity, inclusivity, and the holistic development of students as well as in keeping with curriculum and school policies.

For AI to be successful in education, it must complement the efforts of educators rather than replace them.

Teachers, with their deep understanding of student needs and classroom dynamics, should be actively involved in shaping how AI tools are utilised. Their feedback will be essential in identifying what works and what doesn’t, ensuring that technology enhances the learning process rather than complicating it. In addition, policymakers must ensure that AI is implemented in a way that promotes equal access to educational resources.

Other stakeholders such as parents, educational researchers, and industry leaders must collaborate to ensure that AI is used responsibly. Ethical considerations, such as data privacy and the potential for algorithmic bias, must be addressed to build trust in these technologies. By establishing clear guidelines and regulations, policymakers can create a framework that ensures AI’s development in education is ethical and aligned with broader societal goals. By fostering collaboration and maintaining a focus on student wellbeing, stakeholders can ensure that AI enhances, rather than diminishes, the core values of education.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to transform education in profound and exciting ways. By leveraging the power of personalisation, adaptive learning, and intelligent tutoring systems, AI can help students achieve better learning outcomes and develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in the 21st century.

However, realising the full potential of AI in education will require addressing significant challenges and limitations and the ongoing importance of human teachers in the learning process. By doing so, we can help ensure that AI becomes a powerful tool for transforming education and creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all learners.