Education meets AI
18 Jan 2024 09:00h - 09:45h
Event report
AI offers novel opportunities for deeply personalized learning and tutoring and is set to turbocharge the edtech industry while creating uncharted risks for today’s learners in schools, universities and workplaces.
With learning being reshaped at breathtaking speed, how can organizations and governments adapt to leverage the benefits of this new era?
More info: WEF 2024.
Knowledge Graph of Debate
Session report
Full session report
Jeffrey R. Tarr
Generative AI and AI technology have a significant impact on adult learning and workforce education. These technologies are influencing almost every job, from marketing to finance, and significantly shaping the curriculum. Generative AI coaches play a crucial role by providing learners with real-world simulations and real-time feedback, enhancing the learning experience.
Digital coaches, powered by AI, are extending learning opportunities to all employees. In the future, Jeffrey R. Tarr envisions coaches playing a more prominent role than search boxes or video-based online learning, as they will offer assessments and coaching. This highlights the potential for generative AI to become the new gateway to learning.
Access to devices is a critical challenge faced in disadvantaged parts of the world. The scarcity of devices leads to groups of children sharing a single device, which hampers their ability to access quality education. However, resolving the shortage of devices can have a tremendous impact on education in these regions.
Jeffrey R. Tarr emphasizes the importance of measurable outcomes in education. Companies that invest in education expect a return on their investment and therefore require measurable outcomes. This focus on outcomes highlights the need for evidence-based research and well-planned pedagogical strategies to deliver tangible results.
AI technology has the potential to revolutionize learning experiences by providing personalized and adaptive learning opportunities for both children and adults. By leveraging AI, education can be tailored to individual learners’ needs, catering to a wide range of abilities.
The overall sentiment towards the use of AI in education is positive. These technologies hold immense potential to transform the way we teach and learn, making education more accessible, engaging, and effective.
In summary, generative AI and AI technology are reshaping adult learning and workforce education. With their impact on job roles, curriculum, personalized learning, and measurable outcomes, these technologies offer exciting possibilities for the future of education. Resolving challenges such as device shortages is crucial to ensuring equitable access to quality education for all. The positive sentiment towards AI in education highlights the optimism surrounding its potential to enhance learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.
Emilija Stojmenova Duh
The analysis highlights several key points related to digital and AI skills in education. One of the key initiatives mentioned is the Digital Slovenia Strategy 2030, which aims to improve digital skills across the population. The strategy, adopted in March last year, sets a goal for 80% of the population to have at least basic digital skills by 2030. It also aims to increase the number of ICT experts from 4.5% to 10% of the population and aims to increase the percentage of women among ICT experts from 17% to 25%. This strategy indicates a positive sentiment towards the importance of digital and AI skills in Slovenia’s development.
The analysis also emphasizes the need to enhance digital skills and understanding of AI technologies across all age groups. It is highlighted that AI and digital skills are necessary in everyday life as well as for jobs. The focus should not only be on young people, but also on adults and those who are retired. It is important for individuals to understand how AI works, what disinformation/misinformation is, and how technologies influence daily lives. The government has taken steps to address this by providing training to approximately 30,000 citizens last year. This positive sentiment reinforces the importance of equipping individuals with digital and AI skills across different stages of life.
However, there are also some challenges highlighted in the analysis. Exclusion is a key concern when discussing AI, as it can be challenging to prepare good programs for AI. The lack of qualified teachers, mentors, and coaches for AI is also mentioned, indicating a negative sentiment towards the current state of AI education. The analysis suggests that there is a need for investment in knowledge, as important as food, clothing, and travel. It is emphasized that leaders and administrators should understand the importance of AI and allocate funds for training and implementation.
The analysis also addresses the fear associated with AI and suggests that education can alleviate this fear. It is highlighted that people are often afraid of things they don’t know about, and raising awareness about AI can help in relieving this fear. This positivity towards education as a means to address fear is an interesting insight.
Furthermore, diversity in data and AI processes is deemed important. It is argued that employing a wide variety of people to collect data and design algorithms can ensure that no one is left behind. This aligns with the goals of gender equality and reduced inequalities.
Access to the internet is seen as crucial for education and knowledge equality. The analysis suggests that access to the internet should be considered a human right, as it provides access to information and allows people to access courses and trainings for free or at a minimal cost. This positive sentiment towards internet access is likely rooted in the belief that equal opportunities should be available to all.
Blockchain technology is also discussed in relation to education. It is argued that blockchain can increase trust in content authorship. The decentralized ledger system can verify the author of a paper and other relevant contributors. This positive sentiment highlights the potential of blockchain technology in improving trust and credibility in education.
Lastly, the analysis supports teaching critical thinking as a basic skill. It is agreed that students should learn how to research, analyze, evaluate information, and use it critically. However, it is noted that educators may face challenges in imparting these abstract skills compared to straightforward technological skills. Furthermore, it is suggested that teachers themselves need to possess the requisite skills to effectively teach critical thinking. This neutral sentiment raises awareness of the importance of teacher training and professional development.
In conclusion, the analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the key points related to digital and AI skills in education. The Digital Slovenia Strategy 2030 and initiatives to enhance digital skills across different age groups are highlighted. Challenges such as exclusion, lack of qualified teachers, and motivating users to engage in AI programs are identified. The importance of investing in knowledge, diversity in data and AI processes, internet access, and blockchain technology in education is emphasized. Furthermore, the significance of teaching critical thinking as a basic skill and the need for teachers to possess the requisite skills are discussed. These insights shed light on the importance of digital and AI skills in education and the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation.
Hadi Partovi
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools is transforming the job market, with the main risk being people losing their jobs to others who possess the necessary skills to effectively utilize AI. This highlights the importance of education in digital literacy and AI, as it is essential for individuals to remain competitive in the evolving job market. Equipping citizens with knowledge and skills to navigate digital tools and AI systems allows them to adapt to changing workforce demands.
In addition to digital literacy, teaching critical thinking and the ability to discern facts from misinformation is crucial in becoming digitally fluent. Even without AI, bias exists, making it important to educate students on questioning sources, differentiating reliable information from misinformation, and developing critical thinking skills. By doing so, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions and navigate the complex digital landscape.
The traditional education system is facing challenges in keeping up with rapid technological advancements and is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Without adaptation and change, the system risks becoming outdated and ineffective in preparing students for the modern world. Countries like Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates are leading the way in modernizing education curriculum, recognizing the need to evolve to adequately prepare students for the future.
It is important to acknowledge that young people are increasingly learning beyond the confines of the traditional education system. With access to platforms like YouTube, they can explore and experiment with new knowledge and ideas. Schools should embrace technology and incorporate it into their teaching methods to better engage and meet the needs of students who are already experiencing AI in their daily lives.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize education by offering personalized learning experiences to every student. Collaborations with research institutions like Stanford are allowing the incorporation of learning science into adaptive learning systems, catering to diverse learning abilities and methodologies within a large classroom setting.
The United States has made significant progress in terms of device access for students. With increased federal funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic, device access in the U.S. has improved from around 50% to 93% of students. This places the U.S. in a favorable position in terms of digital access for education, surpassing many other countries.
Investing more in education is crucial for the future success of individuals and society as a whole. A well-funded education system can provide the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential. However, it is important to note that there is a global shortage of teachers, highlighting the need for additional support and measures to address this issue.
By utilizing AI to reduce the workload of overburdened teachers, improvements can be made in the education sector. Teachers often face after-hours paperwork, which can be alleviated through the implementation of AI systems. This would enable teachers to focus more on their core responsibilities of engaging with students and delivering quality education.
In conclusion, the integration of AI and digital tools in education is reshaping the job market and requires individuals to develop digital literacy and AI skills to remain competitive. Teaching critical thinking and discerning facts from misinformation is crucial in the digital age. The traditional education system needs to adapt and modernize to adequately prepare students for the future. Countries like Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates are leading in education curriculum modernization. The United States has made significant strides in device access for students. Investing in education and leveraging AI to reduce teacher workload can drive improvements in the sector.
Audience
The analysis includes several important points raised by the speakers in relation to AI implementation in education. John, an educator in Zimbabwe, is particularly concerned about maintaining inclusivity and reducing inequalities in the education system when implementing AI. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that no child is left behind in the process. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
Another important point highlighted is the need for research and investment in education, similar to the approach taken in the medical field. The argument is that by investing in research and development (R&D), similar to the development of medicines for certain diseases, education can benefit from improved teaching methodologies and achieve better outcomes. This aligns with the SDG of Quality Education (SDG 4).
The speakers also stress the significance of universities focusing on pedagogy and having science of learning departments. By paying more attention to pedagogy and incorporating scientific principles into course development, universities can ensure that students achieve better learning outcomes. This point supports the goal of Quality Education (SDG 4).
The potential of blockchain technology in education is also highlighted. By using blockchain to verify the authorship of educational materials, trustworthiness and credibility can be ensured. This has important implications in combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation. It aligns with the SDGs of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
The analysis also considers the benefits of AI in special needs education. It is suggested that AI can assist in creating individualised education programmes (IEPs) for special needs students, saving time for teachers. This addresses the challenges associated with creating IEPs, which can be time-consuming. The potential of AI to assist special needs students is seen as a positive development.
However, the analysis points out some shortcomings in the current education system. There is a lack of customisation or personalisation for special needs students, which is considered an important aspect of education. Additionally, there is a lack of sufficient investment in the US education system, leading to strains on teachers and poor educational outcomes. These issues are seen as hindrances to the effective implementation of AI in education and achieving the goals of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
The analysis also highlights the importance of critical thinking skills in the context of AI-generated information. While AI has been implicated in the spread of fake news and deepfakes, teaching students critical thinking skills can help them properly analyse and evaluate such information. This aligns with the goal of Quality Education (SDG 4).
Notably, the analysis finds that delivering personalised AI learning via SMS is possible and can effectively increase student engagement and motivation. By tailoring examples and content to match students’ interests, AI tools can enhance the learning experience. This observation has important implications for the future of education, particularly in terms of personalisation and technological advancements.
In conclusion, the analysis underscores the importance of ensuring inclusivity and reducing inequalities in the implementation of AI in education. It calls for research and investment in education, particularly in relation to teaching methodologies. Additionally, it emphasises the need for universities to focus on pedagogy and have science of learning departments. The role of blockchain technology in ensuring trustworthiness and credibility in education is also highlighted. The potential benefits of AI in special needs education are acknowledged, alongside the importance of customisation and personalisation. The analysis also draws attention to the challenges and shortcomings in the current education system and the importance of critical thinking skills in evaluating AI-generated information. Finally, the analysis points to the potential of personalised AI learning via SMS as a means to enhance student engagement and motivation.
Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi
During the discussion, the speakers explored the topic of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the education system in the UAE. They highlighted the numerous opportunities and potential risks associated with this integration.
One of the main arguments in favor of AI in education was the potential of AI tutors to democratize education and provide equal opportunities for all students. The speakers pointed out that currently, students from high socio-economic backgrounds have access to private tutoring, while disadvantaged students often do not. They also mentioned that 8 out of 10 students who receive private tutoring improve their grades by approximately 12%. By introducing AI tutors, it was argued that the playing field could be leveled, allowing every student to have access to quality education regardless of their background.
The speakers also stressed the significance of AI in accelerating learning and catching up, particularly in countries that had a late start in formal education, such as the UAE. They mentioned that the UAE only began formal education in 1971 and that AI could help make up for the earlier delay. By utilizing AI technologies, educators can focus on teaching advanced skills and content, effectively speeding up the catch-up process.
Another important argument put forth during the discussion was that AI should empower teachers rather than replace them. The speakers highlighted that AI tutors were introduced outside the classroom setting to avoid being perceived as a threat to teachers. On the contrary, teachers were shown to be interested in gaining access to AI teaching assistants to enhance their teaching practices. The speakers emphasized that AI technologies should be seen as tools to support teachers, augmenting their capabilities and freeing up their time.
The need for reskilling educators was also discussed during the session. Although there is often talk about reskilling in various fields, the speakers noted that the topic of reskilling educators is often overlooked. They argued that while educators are retrained on curriculum, more emphasis should be placed on reskilling as a concept in order to adapt to evolving teaching methods and technologies.
The potential of technology, including AI, in teaching basic numeracy and literacy was also highlighted. The speakers suggested that AI could assist teachers in teaching these fundamental skills, allowing them to allocate more time and resources towards teaching valuable soft skills. This approach would enable a more balanced and comprehensive education for students.
Furthermore, the scalability of education through the use of technology, particularly AI, was discussed. Private tutoring costs are often high in the UAE, limiting access for many students. By employing AI tutors, the cost of education could be significantly reduced, making it more accessible for a greater number of students. The analogy of renewable energy sources being used to provide isolated power sources in countries lacking a peripheral grid system was drawn, reflecting the potential for AI to provide education in areas with limited resources.
The speakers also highlighted the importance of integrating AI into the education system. They argued that such integration could help address the scarcity of teachers, particularly in regions where there is a high demand for education but limited resources. By incorporating AI technologies, schools and educational institutions can efficiently meet the needs of their students.
The discussion also touched upon the role of governments in promoting AI tutoring to make education more affordable and accessible. Using the example of the UAE, it was pointed out that AI tutors could be a fraction of the cost of private tutors, making them a viable and cost-effective solution. The importance of government investment in AI tutoring was highlighted as a means to reduce inequalities in education.
Additionally, the speakers emphasized the need for personalized learning and adaptive teaching methods. They discussed the challenges faced by teachers in classrooms with a large number of students, making it difficult to cater to each child’s specific needs. They stressed that understanding where students currently stand in terms of education and adapting teaching methods accordingly is crucial in providing effective education.
The discussion also touched upon the potential use of blockchain technology to ensure the authenticity of data and protect intellectual property rights. The speakers noted that blockchain could play a role in identifying the eligibility of authors for copyright on educational materials, promoting transparency and trustworthiness.
In conclusion, the speakers were positive about the integration of AI and technology in education, underlining the potential benefits and opportunities they bring. They emphasized the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and preparing students for a technology-driven future. The discussions shed light on the various ways AI can support and augment the role of teachers, democratize education, and improve access to quality education.
Nzinga Qunta
The discussion centred around the notion that learning is not confined to the traditional classroom setting or a specific age group. Participants highlighted that learning is a lifelong process that can occur at any stage of life, whether one is in school, university, retired, or in between. It was emphasised that learning is not limited to a physical space, as it can take place in various environments and can be facilitated through different means.
Another important topic that emerged from the discussion was the significance of avoiding bias in data. Participants stressed the need for unbiased data to ensure fair and equal treatment. It was acknowledged that mistakes made in the past regarding bias should be rectified, and efforts should be made to avoid repeating them. The importance of unbiased data was particularly highlighted in relation to achieving gender equality and reducing inequalities. Participants recognised that biased data can perpetuate societal inequities and hinder progress in these areas.
In addition to the above topics, the significance of critical information and critical thinking in education was also discussed. Speakers emphasised the positive impact of teaching critical thinking skills and the need to provide students with access to accurate and reliable information. It was acknowledged that critical thinking enables individuals to analyse information critically, question assumptions, and make informed decisions. This skill set was deemed crucial not only for personal development but also for addressing complex societal challenges and achieving goals related to quality education.
Overall, the discussion shed light on the expansive nature of learning, emphasising that it transcends the boundaries of the classroom and age. It also underscored the importance of unbiased data, highlighting the need to address and minimize bias to ensure fairness and promote equality. Lastly, the significance of critical information and critical thinking in education was recognized, emphasising their positive effects on individual growth and societal progress.
Speakers
AB
Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi
Speech speed
203 words per minute
Speech length
1774 words
Speech time
525 secs
A
Audience
Speech speed
183 words per minute
Speech length
1091 words
Speech time
357 secs
ES
Emilija Stojmenova Duh
Speech speed
167 words per minute
Speech length
1788 words
Speech time
643 secs
HP
Hadi Partovi
Speech speed
200 words per minute
Speech length
1532 words
Speech time
459 secs
JR
Jeffrey R. Tarr
Speech speed
149 words per minute
Speech length
716 words
Speech time
287 secs
NQ
Nzinga Qunta
Speech speed
195 words per minute
Speech length
1180 words
Speech time
362 secs
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