The revolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has been going on for a long time. Since the mid-1980s, scholarly journals have been predicting widespread adoption of AI in education. However, the pace is accelerating.
Just four years ago, a survey predicted that by 2021, AI in teaching and learning would increase by 47.5%; It turned out, the prediction was conservative.
Current landscape
AI and ML are being used by students and educators at every step of the journey:
- Create statistical models of student knowledge, evaluate student achievement and instructor skills
- Streamline recruitment and reduce unconscious bias
- Create a digital “paper trail” for audit purposes
- Organize and optimize learning materials and constantly update based on student and instructor feedback
- Create an optical system that can automatically grade students’ work with a cell phone photo
- Proceed to AI-powered voice recognition system that can help diagnose reading problems
- Create scheduling algorithms that can help determine the best learning time for students and subjects
- Create grading systems that aggregate assessment data quickly and reduce response time to student needs
- Create rule-based tutoring systems that students “learn” from mistakes and teacher corrections
This is all in addition to large-scale, district-wide evaluation and application.
Are the machines taking over?
To many it seems technology is successfully educating and preparing children; To others, it may seem like machines are taking over.
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