The world is changing and this is mostly seen in the lives of our children. Hi-tech devices have become a part of daily life.
The turn of the century saw technology significantly changing the way children learn. Schools are now equipped with smart boards, projectors, smart tables and integrated learning systems. The communication between teachers, students and parents has transformed dramatically.
The days are gone when teachers give lectures and children hurriedly take notes of them. Even in elementary classrooms, we find children glued to their computer screens, ears covered with headphones. There is no surprise if teachers wonder what their point was in being in the classrooms!
My recent visit to a high school brought my memory back to my own education journey. Traditional classroom-based learning using printed textbooks and static resources is no longer the norm. The old classroom buzz and excitement were all missing!
However, what is amazing is that children are acquiring academic excellence earlier than ever. “Even a six-year-old child is expected to be reading and writing well at the end of the year”, a teacher at the school said.
Digital textbooks and online resources have replaced traditional materials, providing students with a wealth of information at their fingertips. Learning programmes are becoming more advanced in the form of AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning, which comes from the so-called “edtech” industry.
Learning through AI-powered apps is a more enjoyable way to study both inside and outside the classroom. This makes it easier for teachers to engage their students. Instead of replacing textbooks, AI improves them, offering a more interactive and personalised learning experience.
Ask any parent, especially those who struggle to help their children with their homework or test preparations and you will find them excited to explain how the AI has been supporting them. After all, parents all want to give their children the best.
“Artificial Intelligence in education is not just about technology. It signifies a paradigm shift. It's an evolution from rote learning to adaptive, personalised education”, points out Manchester Global School.
However, concerns remain. Beyond a student’s performance in a particular course, experts also opined that overdependence on AI tools might reduce critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students might become more reliant on automated systems for solutions.
“Overdependence on AI for problem-solving can hinder students’ ability to develop critical thinking skills and develop independent learning skills”, reveals a report in MobileGuardian.
An AI homework helper can provide solutions to complex math problems in seconds. However, “this deprives students of the opportunity to grapple with the problem themselves, develop logical reasoning skills and experience the satisfaction of arriving at a solution independently”, the report adds.
AI may also increase risks to child safety, which is a key responsibility that schools must take to protect children from abuse, neglect and harm.
Still, whether we like it or not, in the long run, AI technology is going to become a staple part of our lives, so rather than fight it, we need to move with it, use it to our advantage and adapt to it accordingly. Educators, who stay put, relying only on old methods, will find themselves increasingly at a disadvantage.
According to HolonIQ, the global market for AI in education is expected to reach $6 billion by 2025. Additionally, the average growth between 2020 and 2025 will increase by 47 per cent.
Despite all challenges, AI is a valuable tool when implemented thoughtfully. What is more important is that parents should stay informed about these changes so that they can best support their children’s academic development as they move forward into this new era of education.
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