The education sector has seen major changes as a result of AI tools, for both teachers and students. AI is bringing new ways to make learning more personal and engaging, and 60% of educators use AI in their classrooms. Better yet, it’s helping break educational barriers for students in low and middle-income countries.
The classrooms of the future will likely be more self-directed, self-paced and less reliant on traditional learning practices. AI is already helping teachers design courses and analyse student performance. Given the future workforce needs to be ready for AI, how exactly is AI going to change education? How are AI tools supporting students and teachers today?
Improving teachers’ roles through automation
Automation can be very beneficial for teachers. In education, there are many manual and repetitive tasks that are well-suited for automation. The goal isn’t to replace teachers but to aid them in saving time, so they can focus on more important tasks and help students develop.
According to research, 59% of teachers agree AI fosters creativity in their students. Therefore, AI can be used as a tool by teachers to inspire creativity in the classroom, enabling them to deliver greater value and time to nurture each student. There’s a great deal of potential for automation to improve the role of teachers and create a more efficient learning environment.
Teachers will find their roles evolving from being providers of knowledge, to facilitators through technology. They’ll be able to serve as guides and mentors, using technology to support the overall learning experience. However, the human touch remains paramount as an irreplaceable source of empathy for students, particularly for students in poorer countries. It’s important that teachers personally understand their challenges, and provide encouragement and a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Addressing skills gaps
As AI reshapes education, it will likely help close skills gaps and boost learning. This includes helping build digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. AI can offer a more personalised approach to learning and teaching, designed to the specific needs of each student. It will also serve as an extra resource, which is beneficial for students in poorer countries.
For example, AI textbooks are on the rise. They’re an opportunity to improve the overall learning experience and currently, 70,000 students are already using AI textbooks. In poorer countries, where there are teacher shortages, tuition can be provided by tools like AI-powered tutors to provide support. However, it’s still important to maintain the balance between technology and the human touch. The collaboration between the two can yield greater results in the education sector.
Virtual classrooms and collaborative learning
AI has further given rise to virtual classrooms, where students have access to quality educational resources to engage in collaborative learning. Through real-time collaboration tools, students can engage with course materials in a more immersive way. As a result, there’s a greater sense of shared learning and community.
When it comes to virtual classrooms, there are several benefits, such as cost savings, the ability to access coursework from anywhere in the world, and improved digital skills. Students can learn at their own pace with pre-recorded virtual classes, which allows for more accessibility and flexibility. Rather than passively consuming the content, students can actively engage with the material and more easily retain the information.
Research has found that eLearning increases retention rates by up to 60%. Therefore, we can expect AI tools to be a strong facilitator of knowledge within education. As AI advances, how we learn and teach will keep evolving, increasing the power of learning outcomes for students globally.
How to get involved with EqualEd
EqualEd is powered by volunteers. We’re a global team, dedicated to achieving our mission to make access to education equal for students in poorer countries. We work with passionate educators and partners to overcome barriers to provide quality learning opportunities for all.We use Google technology to connect our teachers with their students globally. Through various initiatives, we are improving accessibility, quality and affordability in education. Your support matters to us, so why not get involved? Whether you want to teach, learn or partner with us, the EqualEd team welcomes you.