According to the statistics, 52% of US adults believe schools should teach students how to deal with artificial intelligence (AI), while 27% are not sure how schools should treat recent technological advancements. That means people still feel hesitant about AI development and the introduction of ChatGPT.
The software development company Belitsoft has 20 years of experience dealing with solutions for EdTech. In this post, Belitsoft professionals cover the spheres of AI application in education and its benefits for users.
AI tools are used in the learning process in three steps:
- Assessing the current level of knowledge before plunging into training
- Tracking the progress during the learning process
- Supporting the actual lessons with real teachers with additional tools and apps that stimulate progress and high results
Corporate L&D departments and educational institutions can choose to implement AI-powered ed solutions throughout the entire system or start with just some of the tasks that will be performed with AI. For instance, educators and learners might benefit from AI placement tests. The algorithms behind those tests assess every new answer from a candidate and offer the next question depending on the previous result. Thus, with every correct answer, a more difficult question will appear. Such a flexible approach helps to avoid fitting a student into some particular frame of language proficiency levels. Conversely, it allows teachers to indicate gaps in knowledge and prioritize learning goals.
Here is a list of issues in corporate and general education that AI technologies can successfully deal with.
Upskilling and reskilling employees
In the modern world, new requirements for working professionals appear every day. Hiring new staff is expensive. Therefore, companies are trying to seek out ways to improve the competence of their actual staff. As an expert in EdTech, Dmitry Baraishuk admits that learning experience platforms (LXP) open AI-driven possibilities for employees to improve their skills. When an employee considers shifting to a new position, an AI tool analyzes their profile and any missing skills. After that, the system suggests several courses or programs to this employee that can help to gain the necessary qualifications. Additionally, AI-powered LXPs can design a personalized learning path for each learner and share the profiles of suitable candidates with heads of departments. Therefore, companies provide corporate learning for the staff to increase retention levels.
Learning to interact with AI
Although AI has been around for quite some time already, teachers still feel skeptical about its impact on academic integrity and the creation of inaccurate and poorly informed content. Lecturers from the Harvard Graduate School of Education believe there is no need to be afraid or critical of new technologies. It is better to learn how to interact with them and benefit from their potential in the training process. First, people should know how to ask ChatGPT questions and activate analytical thinking while reading the answers. Second, ChatGPT should be viewed as an assistant, not someone performing tasks for humans. In terms of education, ChatGPT can check students’ essays and provide feedback on improvements. It can also formulate some theoretical rules and compile a list of resources that can help with mastering a particular rule.
Students, as well as employees at companies where AI technologies are already in use, need guidance on how to handle them. Therefore, the US Department of Education (ED) and UNESCO have urged for an open and human-centered approach to the application of AI technologies. ED suggests supporting teachers’ traditional roles, diminishing technological gaps, and prioritizing mentoring the staff on how to cooperate with AI.
In May 2024, ChatGPT Edu appeared. This system is designed specifically for higher education institutions. The system guarantees data security and does not train OpenAI models on users’ requests. Besides, it offers such capabilities as data analytics, web browsing, and document summarization. It sets higher limits on messages in a chat and supports over 50 languages. Those features make the system convenient for students and teachers.
Playing games to increase motivation
Learning through play demonstrates high results among both children and adults. Game scenarios and elements like winning badges or gathering stars engage students better than drilling. AI technologies simulate a whole conversation to practice speaking and listening comprehension skills. A Harvard University teacher offered his students to investigate a virtual murder while practicing their French language. Each student received a hero and prepared written stories for them that later served as alibis. Then, students chose the appearance, voice, and accent of their characters. In class, students asked the characters in a virtual museum room about the murder that happened there. Based on the uploaded stories, characters generated answers in real-time and even demonstrated emotions like in true conversation. After the session, students could analyze the script of their talks and check the grammar. As a result, they practiced writing, speaking, listening, and revising grammar and vocabulary.
AI learning apps for additional training
Interacting with real teachers is the best way to learn and practice new skills. Learning apps, however, provide additional possibilities for those who wish to master skills faster. Besides, learning apps are available 24/7 and much cheaper than lessons with a tutor. Integration of AI technologies into learning apps simulates real-life communication situations. For example, the Loora startup is a conversation assistant. It can discuss any topic, from sports and fashion to business negotiations and technologies. The app provides feedback on what users say and, if they get stuck, translates the words into their native language. The algorithm adapts to the level of the learner and uses vocabulary and grammar of the appropriate difficulty.
Dealing with administrative tasks
AI-driven chatbots on university and school websites can handle common questions and tackle routine tasks. For instance, those chatbots can provide details about admission terms and student services. It reduces the workload of administrative staff and saves students’ time.
The bottom line
Education today is witnessing drastic technological changes with the introduction of AI-powered eLearning platforms, game-based approaches, learning apps, and virtual tutors. AI technologies unlock the benefits of personalized learning. All segments (corporations, K-12 schools, and universities) leverage AI to increase learners’ engagement and to let them become familiar with ChatGPT and its possibilities. Businesses use AI tools to retain employees and improve their skills. The US government also shows interest in AI technologies and promotes gradual adaptation. Therefore, AI technologies have already demonstrated high results and will continue altering the modern educational landscape.
