Recently, ChatGPT, an AI-powered tool, took the world by storm when it cleared the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), Wharton School of Business’ MBA exam, The University of Minnesota’s law exam, Google interview questions and many more with great accuracy. Such incidents have sparked concerns among educators and school authorities due to the potential ethical concerns AI tools raise. These concerns include the risk of cheating and the possibility of students being incentivized to put in ‘zero’ effort.
Eyebrows were raised and lips were curled when Calculators were introduced in schools. Yes, it did alter the traditional way of learning mathematics to an extent. The subsequent foray of computers was a game changer. Although, at first, computers were embraced with a pinch of salt, we gradually adapted and learnt to work in synergy with technology. A similar wave of scepticism took over the world upon the creation of Wikipedia. Teachers feared the death of original research and genuine learning efforts. And here we are, still growing and progressing on the path of innovation with each passing day! However, experts believe AI is here to surpass everything (and everyone) that is even remotely related to technology.
An AI-based writing tool, such as ChatGPT, Bard, Bing Chat, and Jasper.ai to name a few, uses a machine learning technique to generate human-like language. It can converse with people and provide answers to various questions. Some examples of the most common questions asked by users around the world include –
● Write a 500-word essay on <Insert Topic here> from a perspective of a High School student
● Generate compelling Instagram captions for a company dealing in Handmade Products
● Help me find bugs and errors in the following Java Code <paste code below>
● Generate a list of SEO keywords for <insert webpage link> with high search volume
● Provide 10 Multiple-Choice-Questions for 5th Grade Math class test on Multiplication
Benefits of AI in Today’s Education
AI tools offer several benefits for teachers, including:
● Time-saving: AI can automate routine tasks such as grading, lesson planning, tracking student progress and administrative work, freeing up valuable time for teachers to focus on more important activities like providing individualized instruction and support to students and developing engaging lessons.
● Data-driven Insights: AI tools can analyze vast amounts of student data to identify patterns, trends, and areas where students may be struggling. Teachers can provide personalized feedback and recommendations to help students reach their full potential.
● Enhanced Instructional Resources: AI tools can offer teachers a wide range of educational resources, including interactive simulations, virtual reality experiences, and adaptive learning materials, enriching the classroom environment and engaging students in new and exciting ways.
● Accessibility and Inclusion: AI can help teachers differentiate instruction by providing different levels of support to different students especially those with special needs. For example, teachers can employ speech recognition technology to help students with speech impairments, while utilizing text-to-speech tools to support students with visual impairments.
AI tools offer several benefits for students, including:
● Personalized Learning: AI can be used to personalize learning for each student by providing different levels of support and challenges based on their individual needs, abilities, learning styles, and interests. This can help students learn at their own pace in a way that suits them best and reach their full potential.
● Enhanced Engagement: AI-powered educational platforms can infuse learning with entertainment and interactivity using simulations, virtual reality, multimedia and gamification techniques leading to enhanced student engagement and enthusiasm. These elements make learning more engaging, motivating, and enjoyable for students.
● Access to Resources: AI can provide students with access to a wider range of educational resources, such as online tutoring, online libraries, digital textbooks, and interactive learning materials. This enables students to access a wealth of information and learning materials anytime and anywhere, fostering independent and self-directed learning.
● 24/7 Availability: AI-powered platforms can be accessed anytime, anywhere, providing round-the-clock availability for students. This allows them to seek assistance, and clarification, or engage in interactive learning at their convenience.
The use of AI democratizes education by creating a level playing field for students without access to traditional means of education. Nonetheless, students must be made aware of the technology and the power it holds in corrupting their intellectual growth. Instead of hiding it from the learners, it should be made transparent. Only by educating students, we can help them make informed decisions.
Limitations of AI in Today’s Education
● Lack of Creativity: AI’s lack of creativity stems from its inability to generate novel ideas/concepts beyond what it has been trained on. It relies on pattern recognition and repetition rather than true creative thinking.
● Lack of Human Interaction: AI tools can provide personalized learning experiences to students, but they cannot replace human interaction. Students still need human interaction and feedback to develop important social skills.
● Cannot Replace Teachers: AI model has a vast amount of knowledge, but it is still limited in its subject knowledge. It cannot replace the expertise of human teachers/mentors who have years of experience in teaching a subject.
● Dependence on the Internet: AI requires technology to function, which means that students need access to the internet and a PC to use it effectively. This can be a disadvantage for students who do not have access to technology or who are not comfortable using it.
● Tendency to Generate Incorrect Information: Since AI models generate responses based on patterns and examples from its training data, this approach can sometimes result in the generation of plausible-sounding but factually-incorrect information. This limitation can be misleading for students who rely completely on the model’s responses for doing their assignments and research.
Although ChatGPT succeeded in cracking some competitive exams, it was unable to pass the JEE Advanced. This reaffirms the idea that AI-based tools are deficient in logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, like calculators and computers, AI is here to stay; we cannot run away from it, but we need to adapt, learn, and grow with it.
Views expressed by Vivek Bhandari, CEO and Founder, Scholarly
