Online learning may not be entirely new, but it has recently become increasingly popular among educational institutions. As students and learners continue to learn remotely, however, experts worry about potential challenges students and educators may face in the online learning environment. In a press release from the Department for Education, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan launched a call for evidence for views on risks, ethical considerations, and training for education workers in response to generative artificial intelligence and its impact on schools. The results of this call to evidence will shed light on the benefits of AI, such as its use for reducing workload, improving outcomes, and running operations more efficiently, as well as the misuse of AI, such as essay bots and cheating in exams.
While different people may misuse e-learning and educational technologies, it’s vital to acknowledge AI’s potential benefits to support online learning. In this post, we’ll look at some of the ways AI is helping students in remote education.
How online learning has evolved alongside technology
Today, online learning helps make education accessible and more convenient for learners. Eliminating the need to go or commute to a physical classroom, learners can access their studies from the comfort of their digital devices at home. Moreover, learners can take advantage of collaborative and social learning functions that allow them to engage with peers worldwide, share relevant resources, and open up different points of view that supplement their education. For example, the note-sharing platform Studocu is helping over 25 million students worldwide by enabling them to share notes, lectures, and other study materials.
With over 20 million study resources available, Studocu also has a ChatGPT-powered feature trained on the platform’s database that instantly answers study-related questions, helping students boost learning outcomes.
However, just as technology continues to innovate, the scope of online learning is changing too. In our last post on AI regulation, we highlighted rising concerns regarding the popularity of ChatGPT. In the context of learning, some students have resorted to using ChatGPT for essay writing, despite the rise in AI detector tools. Similarly, some job hunters now use AI to enhance CVs or cover letters and even write them completely. Despite the occasional misuse, however, it’s essential to acknowledge the good AI can still do for students. Below are some key use cases for AI to support e-learning:
Virtual facilitators
Virtual facilitators, or virtual instructor-led training (vILT), refer to interactive, online training hosted by a live virtual facilitator — usually through a video conferencing platform with remote participants in one or many locations. Recently, a global leader in virtual classrooms, Class Technologies Inc., announced the upcoming release of its next-generation virtual classroom technology, enabling active learning, collaboration, and engagement in online classrooms and virtual instructor-led training. Among many features, Class will also release the Class AI Teaching Assistant, powered by ChatGPT, to improve learning engagement and outcomes in virtual classrooms.
Adaptive learning
Another common use of AI in e-learning is adaptive learning. Adaptive learning simplifies students’ learning experiences by tailoring their education to their individual needs. Pearson Mylab, which generates data reports to indicate students’ strengths and weaknesses, helps in personalised learning assessments so their educators can change their teaching techniques or course materials to adapt. Adaptive learning is also used for enhanced training and evaluation processes for employees in an organisation, enabling real-time training and progress monitoring.
Automation
Finally, besides helping improve a student’s learning experience, AI can also help teachers, professors, and educators by automating manual tasks such as grading assignments, writing study objectives, taking attendance, and creating courses. Thanks to AI, teachers can complete manual and time-consuming processes faster and more efficiently, leaving more time for instructors to teach or develop relevant materials. For instance, tools like Pressto can help students practice independently using generative AI to create writing prompts, freeing up more time for teachers to discuss students’ work or progress and offer additional feedback.
Ultimately, while AI may pose threats to earnest learning and education, making optimal use of AI-powered learning and training tools can help improve the learners’ and educators’ experience in the long term. You can check out the Disruption Banking website for more insights on banking, business, and digital technologies.
Author: Khadija Awad
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