AI in education

Artificial intelligence is coming to a classroom near you — and not as a replacement for teachers.

There have been a lot of digital “next big things” in education over the years — everything from the Apple to online learning. The latest is artificial intelligence education tech (AI), and only time will tell what impact it ultimately has. But for something as important as education, now is the time to start talking about the benefits and challenges created by the AI-powered personalized learning systems that are making their way into classrooms.

Here are 5 unprecedented benefits and challenges that could arise:

1. Teachers may find themselves with more time. AI systems that take over record keeping and grading would free up additional time for teachers to devote to students.
2. Mass customization would improve children’s health. If AI allows for mass customization and decentralization of education, then children’s schedules can be better matched to
3. Parents will assume greater responsibility in children’s education. AI means parents may have to take on additional roles as coaches, curators, and guardians as their kids navigate new tools and platforms. This shift would also dramatically impact the 3.1 million public and 0.4 million private K-12 teachers, not to mention the 3.4 million administrators and support staff.
4. A teacher’s instincts might conflict with sensor data. Artificial intelligence-powered facial recognition can provide learning systems with emotional data, further customizing machine teaching systems.
5. AI shifts who pays for education. With fewer centralized schools and teachers, the cost of education would fall materially. But if parents become more involved in their children’s education, families may face new direct costs, as well as the opportunity cost of increased time commitments.

AI has the potential to change the quality, delivery, and nature of education. It also promises to change forever the role of parents, students, teachers, and educational organizations.