Image courtesy Pixabay..

These days, artificial intelligence is a frequent topic of discussion. While AI is not new—it has been around for more than 60 years—it was used by relatively few until recently. In the last two decades, with the introduction of smartphones, smart TVs, smart cars and more, AI has become a part of everyday life. If we think we aren’t reliant on it, consider how lost we feel without GPS or how frustrated we get when voice-to-text features don’t decipher our words accurately. AI is here to stay, and it is evolving at rocket speed. Literally.

In education, it’s been fascinating to learn how AI is being used to enhance personalized learning for students. Through my reading, research and a lively discussion in a recent podcast with a professor who was an early adopter of AI, I’ve discovered both expected and unexpected uses for AI in the classroom.

Dr. Rebecca Hines, an associate professor at the University of Central Florida, has been integrating AI into her teaching since the 1990s, with a focus on its use in special education.

“AI to me means access and, more specifically, customization,” she said. Historically, additional support has been reserved for students needing extra assistance. Her perspective is broader: “Access doesn’t mean you’re giving your highest flyers less; it means you’re giving everyone more. Customization means giving everyone what they need.”

Renowned educator and founder of Khan Academy, Sal Kahn views AI as a personal tutor for students in all subjects at all levels, especially as AI becomes more adept at didactic human conversation and intuitive responses. AI can ask them questions to pique their curiosity and to encourage independent and critical thinking.

About his own generative AI tool Kahn says, “You can imagine this unlocks learning literature, you can talk to historical figures, we’re probably going to add an activity where you can talk to, like the Mississippi River. It brings things to life in ways that were really were science fiction even six months or a year ago.” Engaging students on a personalized level such as this will forever change the way students learn. 

AI can also empower teachers in a variety of ways, including handling task-driven activities for them, such as taking attendance, grading tests, and creating lesson plans, allowing teachers more time with their students. This extra time could be spent working one-on-one with students who need help or creating extension lessons for those eager to learn more. Important guardrails are built in, allowing teachers to retain control, setting the filters and parameters specific to their students and lessons.

The full scope of AI’s benefits will surely unfold, and right now it can enhance education by allowing access to all students. As Dr. Hines reminds her colleagues, “Let’s not leave our kids behind by not embracing something with so much potential.” 

The future of teaching is here. I’ll be curious to learn how it continues to be shaped by powerful tools like AI.

Jennifer Vigne is president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Image courtesy Pixabay..