Tons of papers to grade? A large class size? Repetitive instructions?

These are the common dilemma that educators face. A large class size could mean a lot of papers that require grading or checking. Accommodating learners’ question one by one is also an arduous job. On top of that, teachers are prompted do repetitive tasks inside the classroom such as giving instructions. All of these leaves a tired teacher struggling to achieve the work-life balance.

Due to the early outbreak of the pandemic, schools were closed over Coronavirus fears. This compelled academic institutions to formulate plans on how to assure continuity of learning. One of the best solutions identified is to move out of the physical classrooms and move online.

Even before the pandemic, the aforementioned problems that educators face seemed to have been overlooked most of the time. Now that the education system shifts to another mode, Educators are frequently experiencing burnouts as they have to double or even triple their efforts to deliver what is expected from them. It takes a lot of adjustment not only on the students’, but also on educators’ part too. How could we deliver quality instruction if our educators are tired? This might only lead to a tired, unmotivated, and uninterested learner.

 

How does AI come into play?

With the advent of AI tools, most aim to lessen the workload of the educators while assuring stakeholders and students that quality learning will be provided. For example, grading tools and learning assistants augment student learning by providing them learning paths as they go through a course. Moreover, students will not have to wait a couple of days or weeks to receive their scores. Immediate feedback is given and with this, teachers can have more time in innovating their instruction rather than take hours to grade papers. Sounds amazing, right? There is more.

Another helpful tool are the bots or the chatbots. This AI Powered tech uses natural language processing to role-play and converse with students. Teachers can check courses, track student progress, message students and so much more. It can be easily used along multimedia to create an immersive educational experience. A small number of studies have already shown productively employed chatbots in learning scenarios (Dutta, 2017; Huang, Lee, Kwon, & Kim, 2017; Kerly, Hall, & Bull, 2007).

 

Wait, what about the younger learners? Are there tools which will cater their imaginative interests while strengthening their metacognitive skills, and vocabulary?

For younger learners there are augmented reality and portable mini robots which provide interactive and imaginative learning. AI tech companies also venture into products that cater to young learners. Especially this pandemic, parents find it difficult to enroll their kids despite online learning. This is due to the fact that unlike middle or high school learners, primary learners need learning partners. If they opt not to send their kids to school, they can venture into these tools to improve their students’ language and artistic skills.

 

Sounds promising, right? But is it all butterflies in paradise once AI is adopted in the academe?

We need to reconsider the effects if its adoption will not be regulated. What are these then, when in fact, there are a number of academic institutions that have incorporated the use of AI in teaching and learning?

As a basic human right, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization views Education as a “top priority” since “it is the foundation on which to build peace and drive sustainable development.” Since the outset of Artificial Intelligence, it has been facing difficulties to grow because educational systems in different countries are hesitant to revise and modify the established system of education (Clancey, 1987). One of the reasons for this reluctance could be the concerns on data privacy and accuracy. Nevertheless, the implementation of AI is deemed as a promising tool to education.

 

While these technologies increase productivity and efficiency and would be helpful for academic institutions, and as we look forward to the wonders of AI, we must also remember to take steps or set some rules to raise awareness of its responsible adoption.

UNESCO puts forward the following challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Education: 1) developing a comprehensive view of public policy on AI for sustainable development; 2) ensuring inclusion and equity for AI in education; 3) preparing teachers for an AI-powered education; 4) developing quality and inclusive data systems; 5) enhancing research on AI in education; and 6) dealing with ethics and transparency in data collection, use and dissemination.

Let us take it into the context of the Philippine education setting. Aside from the fact that internet connection is poor in the country, we do not have yet advanced technological infrastructures. Hence, assuring that no student will be left behind will be difficult.

Moreover, it would entail advanced training for teachers. Educators who are digital immigrants might have difficulty in mastering the digital skills. Older educators might be at risked for being terminated in their jobs should they not be able to cope with the demands needed in administering AI technology in education. Data privacy and ethical concerns also arise. How will personal data and information of the students be treated? This one entails a big accountability on the part of educational institutions.

Robots or AI-powered machines grading papers and doing repetitive tasks, chatbots answering students’ numerous queries, and AI-powered smart speakers. These are just the things that AI promises in the field of education. While these technologies increase productivity and efficiency and would be helpful for academic institutions, and as we look forward to the wonders of AI, we must also remember to take steps or set some rules to raise awareness of its responsible adoption.