AI in Education.
Artificial Intelligence is when machines (mostly computers) simulate processes of human intelligence.
Three main human intelligence processes that are simulated by AI are Learning, Reasoning, and Self-correction.
Four key concepts of AI are: 1) Machine learning: when machines automatically learn through experience. 2) Natural language processing: algorithms and math processes that analyze, interpret and generate human language as well as conduct conversations with people. 3) Neural networks: a computational model that is modelled on the way the human brain works to process stimuli and information. 4) Deep learning: The modelling of complex patterns and relationships in data through the use of neural networks.
In a deep neural networks, there are hundreds to thousands of hidden layers of computations that happen between the ínput layer and the output layer.
Large Language Models LLMs:
LLMs are AI systems that consume and learn from huge amounts of text in order to perform natural language-based tasks, such as:
- Translation
- Summarization
- Question answering
- Conversation
Examples of LLM’s are: ChatGPT, ChatPDF, Microsoft Bing, Bard (by Google), Chatbots (for example: loyalty bots, medical bots, and NPC’s in next-gen video games).
Some ways that AI is being utilized in educational settings include:
- Personalized Learning
- Intelligent Tutoring Systems
- Automation of Administrative Tasks
- Data-Driven Insights
- Enhanced Engagement
- Accessibility
- Global Learning
Some ways that teachers are using AI in classrooms:
- Lesson Planning
- Rubric Design
- Grading
- Content Creation
- Translation
- Record Keeping and Analysis
Some ways that AI is being used by teachers:
- Inquiry & Exploration
- Research
- Tutoring / Practice
- Translation & Summarization
- Content Creation
Current issues with AI in Education:
- Evaluation and Assessment: – AI disrupts conventional methods of assessment: (writing essays, synthesis of concepts, plagiarism and false flags).
- Misinformation: – Hallucinations (reasoning = probability), unrelated content.
- Violations of Intellectual Property: – Appropriation of content made by others, stylistic emulation of art, leading to a contraction in access to information online.
What is my position on AI in Education?
I think what Mike said in class is really true. There is already an obscenely unreasonable expectation on teachers (especially new teachers) to work a huge amount of unpaid overtime. There’s a really big opportunity to be able to mitigate some of that by harnessing AI’s powers. However, I ultimately believe that AI is unhealthy for humanity. Especially in education, there are huge dangers that AI is teaching learners that they don’t need to think for themselves. All-in-all, I believe that AI is here to stay and we need to figure out how to live with it and use it as positively as we can.
Should teachers modify how they assess students? If so, how?
I think that teachers will be forced to modify how they assess students due to the realities of AI. I’m not exactly sure how, except that assessment may be more focused on formative processes than summative processes. Additionally, I think that assessment will be more focused on learning processes rather than learned products.
What do you think falls under the category of legitimate use for AI in schools? Where do you draw the line?
I’m not too sure about this. For me the line has to be drawn somewhere along the concept of theft, either intellectual or physical. I believe in the legitimacy of intellectual property, so using AI has to somehow be regulated by teachers to still ensure that learners aren’t just lifting entire ideas from others.