Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education is transforming how we teach and learn. By embracing AI, educators can improve student outcomes, transforming traditional classrooms into personalized and efficient learning hubs.
But what role does AI play in education? How can it enrich the lives of students and educators? And how can students and teachers leverage AI-powered tools to reshape the learning experience?
In this guide, we’ll dig deeper into the impact of AI in education and uncover its real-world applications within the classroom.
AI in education: What it is & how it's used
Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computers or computer-enabled systems to process information and make decisions—just like humans do. Educators are using this technology in classrooms to improve students' learning.
The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed change in the education sector. As educators and parents grappled with remote learning challenges, technology adoption skyrocketed, opening doors to new educational frontiers.
Today, it's clear that technology has become an invaluable ally in the pursuit of quality education. A U.S. Department of Education report revealed that teachers who integrated technology into their classrooms saw enhanced learning, greater engagement and improved academic achievement.
So, how does AI enhance the learning experience for students & teachers?
- For teachers, AI and ed tech tools make it easier for educators to improve teaching and learning experiences. Many different types of AI solutions are available to educators, like learning management systems, digital textbooks, adaptive learning algorithms, online tutoring platforms, collaborative tools, and assessment and grading tools. Instructional design Chrome extensions, software and tools like Scribe's free Instructional Design Generator, help you craft engaging and effective learning experiences.
- For students, AI brings personalized learning that can help cultivate a genuine passion for learning. Teachers can customize quizzes and assessments to align with each student's interests, making abstract concepts more relatable. AI's real-time feedback empowers students to track their progress and make improvements.
AI can help educators transform teaching strategies, increase student participation and create a level playing field for all learners.
📌 Related resource: Instructional Design Examples: How to Create Engaging & Interactive Learning Experiences
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8 applications of AI in education
From tailored guidance to immersive virtual reality experiences, AI has the potential to transform education. Here are eight common uses:
1. Admin task automation
AI tools are changing the way administrative tasks are done in schools, eliminating the need for manual work.
These tools streamline routine and mundane tasks, from scheduling and rescheduling classes to marking attendance, grading papers, handling finances and accounting, and record-keeping.
They can also perform various other essential but time-consuming tasks like:
- Sending alerts when students are absent without permission.
- Sending report cards and other correspondence to parents.
- Planning and scheduling meetings.
- Automating routine student paperwork like student forms and enrollments.
- Creating progress reports.
- Creating and sharing guides and instructions with students.
Scribe is a visual guide creator that lets educators create visual aids with text, annotated screenshots and links for their students — in seconds.
Scribe helps teachers easily explain even the most complicated processes to students (and parents).
2. AI grading software
Grading software uses AI techniques like machine learning and data analysis to create efficient and precise grading systems. It closely mimics the human grading process by examining essential metrics from previously graded papers.
The software can integrate with virtual environments or cloud-based platforms, streamlining assignment grading within seconds and across various languages. Minimizing the time and effort expended on grading allows teachers to concentrate on more high-value tasks while improving overall efficiency.
3. Virtual classroom assistants (chatbots)
Students can interact with chatbots through iPads or laptops and get real-time guidance and support on topics like math or reading comprehension.
Chatbot-based tutors have the potential to provide personalized analysis and assistance beyond basic concept explanations. They can also be used as a substitute for email communication between teachers and parents, improving communication.
4. Smart content
Smart content encompasses a range of AI-driven resources, including digital textbooks, instructional snippets, microlearning content, video tutorials, and tools that facilitate customized learning environments. AI tools can optimize content delivery to match different learning styles and adjust the curriculum based on insights gained from student performance data.
By identifying areas of improvement and filling gaps in the content, AI algorithms help teachers enhance the effectiveness of their instructional materials.
Educational organizations can also create augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) learning environments and web-based lessons that align with their strategies and goals.
5. Intelligent tutoring systems
Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) use AI to deliver customized feedback and instructions in one-on-one teaching scenarios.
While they can't replace human teachers, ITS complements e-learning when human tutors are unavailable.
These systems can teach a wide range of subjects, including languages, geography, circuits, medical diagnosis, computer programming, mathematics, physics, genetics, and chemistry.
6. Virtual learning environments
Virtual learning environments employ virtual reality (VR) technology to provide an immersive and interactive educational experience.
Students can access educational content through their mobile devices or laptops, enabling them to engage dynamically with the materials. These environments support group learning activities, offer counseling services and help improve attention spans, especially for students with learning disabilities.
7. Gamification
By harnessing the power of AI, gamification integrates game elements like points, badges and leaderboards seamlessly into the blended learning process. This approach motivates students and amplifies their enjoyment of learning while nurturing vital skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
The versatility of gamification extends across K-12 classrooms, higher education and professional training programs. For example, in a math program, students can earn points for accurately solving practice problems, advancing through different levels as they learn new concepts.
📌 Related resource: 6 Real-World Blended Learning Examples for Modern Educators
The impact of AI in education
When done right, using AI in education has many benefits, including:
1. Personalized education for every student
By analyzing large amounts of data, these intelligent systems identify areas where students may struggle to grasp concepts or lack understanding. Personalized education offers guidance, targeted tests and constructive feedback to close the gaps in knowledge.
From preschool to college, learners can benefit from e-learning software and games to learn at their own speed—whenever and wherever they prefer.
Teachers can also leverage EdTech tools and EdTech Chrome Extensions to develop individualized lesson plans catering to each student's requirements. This shift empowers educators to provide tailored instructions that resonate with students.
2. Real-time feedback
AI-driven programs can provide students and educators with invaluable feedback. Gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all courses. With AI's assistance, teachers and students can now tailor educational experiences to students' unique needs.
In online education, schools have embraced AI systems to monitor student progress closely. These intelligent programs track each student's performance, alerting professors to signs of struggle or underachievement. This real-time monitoring allows educators to offer targeted support to students who need it most.
Some forward-thinking institutions are even using AI-driven career exploration tools to revolutionize the process of choosing majors. By analyzing students' academic achievements and challenges, these systems offer insightful recommendations on relevant fields of study.
3. Increased efficiency inside and outside the classroom
By automating admin duties, AI tools free up teachers' time to focus on individual students. For instance, teachers can use blended learning Chrome extensions and ChatGPT-powered platforms like Scribe to build instructions swiftly and playbooks enriched with text, annotated screenshots and relevant links for their students, increasing efficiency and saving valuable time.
Traditionally, crafting detailed instructions and playbooks required extensive manual work. Educators would invest substantial effort in creating content from scratch, from writing textual explanations to capturing and editing relevant screenshots.
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This process could be time-consuming and detract from valuable classroom interactions. However, Scribe, powered by AI, streamlines this process to a matter of seconds. Use AI to make study guides, visual aids, templates and more. Scribe's free Microlearning Generator can also help create step-by-step microlearning content in seconds.
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Here's an example of a Scribe explaining how to sign in to Kahoot:
📌 Related resource: How ChatGPT Works: A Guide to Understanding AI
AI: creating a more inclusive classroom environment
AI has opened doors for all learners, making it more accessible and inclusive than ever before.
1. Accommodates individual learning styles
Traditional classroom settings often struggle to accommodate individual learning styles and paces. AI can adapt and tailor instruction to the unique requirements of each student and reduce unequal access to educational resources and opportunities, creating a learner-centered approach.
2. Facilitates inclusive learning experiences for students with disabilities
Students with visual or hearing impairments can actively engage in classroom activities by integrating AI-powered assistive technologies, such as speech recognition and computer vision. One example is the Presentation Translator PowerPoint plugin, which provides real-time subtitles for students with visual or hearing impairments.
3. Identifies & eliminates educational bias
AI can help tackle biases that unintentionally influence teaching practices. Teachers can use AI algorithms to evaluate instructional materials and curricula to ensure they reflect diverse perspectives.
4. Ensures universal access to education
AI's potential extends beyond the classroom itself. By leveraging online platforms and AI-powered virtual classrooms, students can access high-quality instruction and educational resources without being limited by geographical location or socioeconomic background.
📌 Related resource: How Much Does AI Cost? What to Consider
The future of AI in education
AI in education is revolutionizing the way we learn. The future of AI in education includes incorporating these resources into your teaching strategies can help you stay up-to-date with the latest AI trends in education and improve your students' learning experience.
And what better way to get started than using Scribe? Zak R. thinks it's:
"The best-kept secret for capturing your workflows and creating guides at work."
Try it for free and see what the fuss is all about.
