The Convenience of AI: Blessing or Curse?

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13 Sep 2024

8 Min Read

Dr Jasmine Jain (Academic Contributor), The Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about significant changes in various sectors, and education is no exception. The integration of AI into classrooms and learning environments offers unprecedented convenience, promising to revolutionise the way we teach and learn.

 

From personalised learning experiences to administrative efficiencies, AI holds the potential to enhance education in ways previously unimaginable. However, with these advancements come pressing questions and concerns: Is this convenience a blessing, offering unparallelled benefits to students and educators alike? Or is it a curse, leading to a decline in critical thinking, increased inequalities, and ethical dilemmas?

The Blessings of AI in Education

One of the most celebrated benefits of AI in education is its ability to create personalised learning experiences. Traditional education systems often struggle to cater to the diverse needs of students, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach. AI, however, can tailor educational content and pacing to individual learners, allowing each student to progress at their own speed.

 

For instance, Apple Intelligence has introduced innovative AI-driven features that enhance the learning experience, particularly through its handwriting recognition capabilities. On devices like the iPad, students can use the Apple Pencil to write out mathematical equations by hand. The AI instantly recognises the handwriting, converts it into digital text, and performs the calculation in real-time.

 

This functionality not only makes learning more interactive and intuitive but also helps students engage with mathematical concepts in a more natural and tactile way. The ability to seamlessly integrate handwriting with digital computation exemplifies how AI can bridge traditional learning methods with modern technology, providing students with a versatile and enriched educational experience.

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Pearson’s AI Study Tools offer a revolutionary approach to contextual learning by integrating AI directly with trusted Pearson content. Unlike generic tools, these AI-powered study aids pull from vetted educational resources to help students achieve proficiency and master key course concepts. What sets Pearson’s AI Study Tools apart is their ability to provide personalised support, recognising that no two learners are the same. The generative AI chat tool goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, delivering individualised practice, feedback, and guidance tailored to each student's unique needs.

Image of Pearson's AI Study Tools, which utilise a scaffolded approach to guide learning, sourced from Pearson.com

Image of Pearson's AI Study Tools, which utilise a scaffolded approach to guide learning, sourced from Pearson.com

Administrative Efficiency
 

AI's impact extends beyond the classroom, offering substantial improvements in administrative efficiency. Tasks that traditionally consumed significant amounts of time, such as grading, scheduling, and data management, can now be automated. AI-driven systems can quickly and accurately assess assignments, providing instant feedback to students and freeing up educators to focus on more meaningful interactions.

 

Gradescope's AI capabilities allow it to evaluate handwritten assignments, multiple-choice tests, and even complex coding exercises with precision. This automation speeds up the grading process, ensuring timely feedback and enabling teachers to dedicate more time to instructional activities rather than administrative tasks.

Image showcasing GradeScope's ability to mark hand-written Physics papers, sourced from Gradescope.com

Image showcasing GradeScope's ability to mark hand-written Physics papers, sourced from Gradescope.com

Moreover, AI can assist in managing student records, tracking progress, and even predicting academic outcomes. For example, Civitas Learning uses predictive analytics to help institutions identify students at risk of dropping out. By analysing various data points, such as attendance, grades, and engagement levels, Civitas Learning provides actionable insights to educators, allowing them to intervene early and support students who may be struggling.

Image showing insights chunked from the report, obtained from CivitasLearning.com

Image showing insights chunked from the report, obtained from CivitasLearning.com

Accessibility and Inclusion
 

AI is also playing a crucial role in making education more accessible and inclusive. For students with disabilities or those in remote areas, AI-powered tools can bridge gaps that were once insurmountable.

 

For instance, Seeing AI, developed by Microsoft, is an AI-powered app designed to assist visually impaired students by narrating the world around them. It can read text aloud, describe scenes, identify products via barcodes, and even recognise faces. This app empowers visually impaired students to engage more fully with educational content and their surroundings.

Screenshot showing functionalities of Seeing Ai, obtained from Apple.com

Screenshot showing functionalities of Seeing Ai, obtained from Apple.com

Platforms like Otter.ai use AI to transcribe spoken language into text in real-time, benefiting students who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing them with instant access to classroom discussions and lectures. Virtual classrooms, facilitated by AI, allow students in remote or underserved regions to participate in lessons alongside their peers from across the globe. Platforms like Khan Academy use AI to provide students with personalised practice problems and instructional videos, ensuring that learners can receive a high-quality education regardless of their location.

Screenshot showing real-time transcribing from Otter AI, obtained from Otter.ai

Screenshot showing real-time transcribing from Otter AI, obtained from Otter.ai

The Curses of AI in Education

Dependence and Diminished Critical Thinking
 

One of the most pressing concerns about the integration of AI in education is the potential for students to become overly dependent on these technologies, leading to a significant decline in critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. As AI systems become increasingly adept at providing instant answers, tailored solutions, and even detailed explanations, students may find themselves gravitating towards the path of least resistance.

 

The convenience of AI could inadvertently foster a culture of intellectual complacency, where learners are conditioned to accept pre-packaged solutions without the rigorous mental engagement that true understanding demands.

 

This raises a fundamental question: If AI can do the thinking for us, what happens to the human capacity for innovation, creativity, and deep reasoning? The essence of education is not just about acquiring information but about developing the cognitive tools to interpret, question, and apply that information in novel ways.

 

There is a risk that as AI becomes more embedded in the educational process, students may lose the opportunity to struggle with and solve complex problems independently—experiences that are crucial for developing resilience, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Man stands in front of a big maze and is ready to enter it
Privacy and Ethical Concerns
 

The proliferation of AI in education brings with it significant privacy and ethical concerns that demand careful consideration. AI systems often rely on vast amounts of data to function effectively, including detailed information about students' learning habits, academic performance, and even personal behaviours. While this data is invaluable for personalising education, it also poses considerable risks if mismanaged.

 

One of the most troubling aspects is the potential for AI to be used as a tool for surveillance, monitoring students' actions and behaviours in ways that could infringe upon their privacy. For instance, AI-driven proctoring tools, which monitor students during online exams, have sparked controversy due to their intrusive nature and the potential for bias in how they flag suspicious behaviour. The ethical implications of allowing AI to observe and influence students' lives must be carefully weighed against the benefits it provides.

 

Moreover, the use of AI in education necessitates a deeper focus on consent and transparency. It is crucial to ensure that students are fully aware of how their data is being used and that they have a voice in the matter. The potential for misuse or exploitation of personal data, whether through commercial interests or other means, highlights the urgent need for robust ethical guidelines and regulations to govern the use of AI in educational settings.

Concept of digital computer hacker interface
Digital Divide and Inequality

 

While AI has the potential to democratise education by making high-quality resources more accessible, it also threatens to widen the existing digital divide, exacerbating educational inequalities. The digital divide is not just about access to technology; it’s about the quality of that access and the ability to use it effectively.

 

Students from well-resourced environments, who have access to the latest devices, high-speed internet, and supportive learning environments, are far better positioned to take full advantage of AI-driven educational tools. In contrast, students from underprivileged backgrounds may find themselves further marginalised, unable to tap into the benefits that AI can offer.

 

The rise of AI in education could inadvertently create a new class of digital elites, leaving behind those who lack the means to engage with these technologies. The promise of AI to level the playing field in education depends on universal access to technology and the digital literacy needed to use it. If these underlying issues are not addressed, AI could become yet another tool that reinforces social inequalities, rather than alleviating them.

Balancing the Scales: Is There a Middle Ground?

As we grapple with the profound impacts of AI in education, it becomes evident that the future of learning lies not in choosing between embracing or rejecting AI, but in finding a balanced approach that harnesses its benefits while mitigating its drawbacks.

 

Cultivating Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy

 

As AI becomes more integrated into education, it is crucial to cultivate critical thinking and digital literacy among students. Rather than allowing AI to do all the thinking for them, students should be encouraged to engage with AI as a tool that supports their learning. This means teaching students not just how to use AI, but also how to question it, understand its limitations, and apply their own reasoning and creativity to the information it provides.

 

Incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum will empower students to navigate the complexities of AI, including understanding how algorithms work, recognising bias, and evaluating the reliability of AI-generated content. By developing these skills, students can become more informed and critical users of technology, capable of making thoughtful decisions about when and how to rely on AI.

 

Fostering a mindset of lifelong learning will also be essential in an AI-driven world. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to education and skill development. Encouraging students to be adaptable, curious, and open to new ways of learning will prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

 

Student coding on a computer
Rethinking the Role of Education
 

The integration of AI in education invites us to rethink the role of education in a broader sense. With AI handling many of the tasks traditionally associated with learning, education can shift its focus from rote memorisation and standardised testing to fostering creativity, collaboration, and holistic development. This could lead to a more personalised and meaningful educational experience, where students are encouraged to pursue their passions, explore interdisciplinary connections, and develop the social and emotional skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.

 

Education in the AI era should be about more than just preparing students for jobs; it should be about preparing them for life. This includes not only equipping them with the technical skills needed to work alongside AI but also instilling the ethical values and social awareness necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Dr Jasmine Jain

 

Humans and AI learn differently. Human function is shaped by experience, while AI thrives on data and predictions. Empathy and ethics suit humans, while AI handles lower-order tasks like recalling facts. To benefit from AI, humans must adapt, unlearn old habits, and trust AI in research, freeing time for complex thinking. AI will complement, not replace, human creativity.

 

 

Dr Jasmine Jain

Senior Lecturer, School of Education

Conclusion

Ultimately, the success of AI in education will depend on our ability to navigate its complexities and harness its potential for good. As we move forward, let us remember that the true value of education lies not just in the information we acquire, but in the wisdom we cultivate through experience, reflection, and human connection.

 

As John Dewey, the renowned educational reformer, once said, 'Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.' In the age of AI, this statement rings truer than ever. It reminds us that while technology can enhance our learning journey, it is our human capacity for growth, understanding, and empathy that ultimately defines the purpose and power of education.

Start your journey towards a rewarding career in education, where you'll learn to harness AI and innovative teaching tools to inspire future generations. Our Bachelor of Education programme offers the support and guidance you need to make a real difference. Book an appointment today and discover how you can shape the future of learning and teaching.

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