Unit 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education
Navigation: Return to course page Unit 2: Educational AI Tools
Unit Overview🗓️
By the conclusion of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define the term artificial intelligence.
- Explain the role artificial intelligence can have in education.
- Describe the affordance and drawbacks artificial intelligence has in education.
Tasks:
- Read the mini-lecture and explore the resources provided.
- Complete the discussion by posting one initial post and two responses to peers’ posts.
- Reflect on what you learned and how you will apply it in your learning journal.
Mini-Lecture 🗒️
Before delving into how artificial intelligence impacts education, it is important to understand just what artificial intelligence actually is. To provide a definition, artificial intelligence are technological innovations that require human input to carry out a variety of tasks, usually by utilizing external data, and can perform these tasks with extreme proficiency[1]. To simply put, artificial intelligence is a tool that allows humans to perform certain tasks that we otherwise would be incapable of performing, and can allow us to improve our own performance and productivity in the tasks only humans can perform.
With artificial intelligence being a relatively new technology within the past decade, its integration in education has been steadily increasing in the past few years. Research has shown that scholarly articles with the key terms “AI” and “Education” have drastically increased, from a little over 60 being published in 2010 to over 180 articles being published in 2019 [2]. With more advanced AI tools, such as Chat-GPT, entering the stage this past year, the growth in AI integration will only increase as new tools become available. With any new technology being introduced into the classroom, it is vital for educators to weigh out the affordances and drawbacks that they provide to their students' learning experience and the development of curriculum for the educator.
AI tools provide educators with new opportunities previously unheard of in the classroom. AI can provide educators with avenues to provide students with a more personalized learning experience and analyze data at a much more efficient rate to better address the various needs of their students [3]. By utilizing AI, educators can help give their students a more learner-centered educational experience and help them develop materials that can support this kind of learning. Though AI brings many benefits, its relative novelty also provides some challenges and questions that still need to be addressed with time. Inconsistent policies around AI, promoting equity among students, developing effective data systems, and improved professional development around AI for educators are issues that present itself with the integration of AI[3]. With time, many of these challenges can be addressed, yet they presently offer barriers for educators to effectively utilize AI in their own classrooms to support their development as teachers and as a tool to support their students' development.
Discussion 🤔
Base your discussion post on the readings and videos provided for the unit. You will be expected to post one initial post to begin the discussion, and two responses to peer post. To get everyone involved in discussions, please spread your response to other peers' posts. The goal of discussions is to get everyone involved, so strive to involve a classmate if they haven’t been included yet.
Discussion Question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom? How can educators effectively balance the affordances and limitations of integrating artificial intelligence into the classroom environment to enhance learning outcomes?
Al-Tkhayneh, K. M., Alghazo, E. M., & Tahat, D. (2023). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Artificial Intelligence in Education.[1]
Tao, B., Díaz, V., & Guerra, Y. (2019). Artificial intelligence and education, challenges and disadvantages for the teacher. Arctic Journal, 72(12), 30-50. [2]
TED (2023, May 1). How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education | Sal Khan | TED [Video]. YouTube.[3]
Learning Journal 📓
Reflect on what you have learned so far in the course. This a space where you can talk freely. Some guiding questions have been provided to help you begin.
- What are some new ideas that you are learning?
- How are these ideas impacting your understanding of education?
- What questions or challenges do you have so far in the course?
Use the link provided here to record your thoughts.
Unit References 🧠
- ↑ Anjila, F. (2021). Arificial Intelligence. Learning Outcomes of Classroom Research.
- ↑ Chen, L., Chen, P., & Lin, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. Ieee Access, 8, 75264-75278.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pedro, F., Subosa, M., Rivas, A., & Valverde, P. (2019). Artificial intelligence in education: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.