The reality
is that technology is changing the way business is being made, but it is undoubtedly changing also the way we work and live (Gibbons, 2019). One of the main technological disruptions of our era is artificial intelligence. There are numerous industries that have already introduced this kind of technology since its application results in better decision making and generates better business insights in order to improve efficiency. One industry that offers great potential for the utilization of AI technologies is education (Rouhiainen, 2019). There are several significant opportunities that AI can bring to higher education.
One of the greatest opportunities that AI can generate is the possibility of personalizing higher education that would eventually decrease problems such as disengagement of students and high rates of dropout (Rouhiainen, 2019). Through AI-based systems that would contain data regarding students learning styles, progress and abilities could give insights for professors to be able to customize their teaching methods and adapt them to students’ needs (Bonderud, 2019). This would, for instance, generate insights such as the need to have individualized tutorial sessions or the need for students to receive extra studying materials and assignments so that they could reach their full potential in case they are not feeling enough motivated (Schmelzer, 2019). Besides, the introduction of chatbots powered by AI algorithms can also be a great tool to enhance learning experiences. Having the possibility to have a machine that would clarify, for example, frequently asked questions posted by students would be beneficial, as it is believed that it would increase students’ educational experiences and their motivation (Rouhiainen, 2019).
Despite the potential of these technologies and their applicability, we are far from being able to witness this kind of experience in areas such as education (Schmelzer, 2019). In fact, huge datasets would be needed for these algorithms to be able to produce accurate results. However, the fact that personal data would have to be provided by students is preventing AI from effectively change educational systems in a foreseeable future, as there are many concerns regarding privacy and data scandals (Rouhiainen, 2019).
References:
Bonderud, D. (2019). Artificial Intelligence, Authentic Impact: How Educational AI is Making the Grade. [online] https://edtechmagazine.com. Available at: https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2019/08/artificial-intelligence-authentic-impact-how-educational-ai-making-grade-perfcon [Accessed on 16th Oct. 2019].
Gibbons, S. (2019). The Technology Of The Future Is Changing Business Today. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2019/09/19/the-technology-of-the-future-is-changing-business-today/#2b5ed8704fe1 [Accessed on 16th Oct. 2019].
Rouhiainen, L. (2019). How AI and Data Could Personalize Higher Education. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-ai-and-data-could-personalize-higher-education [Accessed on 16th Oct. 2019].
Schmelzer, R. (2019). AI Applications In Education. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/07/12/ai-applications-in-education/#36a24d7162a3 [Accessed on 15th Oct. 2019].
Hi Pedro, I think the examples your provide on the possibilities of AI on education are promising. I do wonder what your thoughts are on which parts of the educational system will be introduced to AI. Do you think high school, and maybe even elementary schools are interested in AI driven education? Or do you think this stays in the realm of online learning?
Hi Pedro, nice post! I actually think that online course platforms such as e.g. coursera or edX might have already disrupted education to some extent as traditional universities are rethinking their business models with offering MOOCs or the like. In addition to chatbots, which would really improve distance learning through substituting human interaction with a teacher, artificial intelligence could be used to generate learning materials that are better tailored to one’s individual learning habits and topics one performs in weakly.
Hi Pedro, this is a very interesting topic! Most industries are moving towards personalized services, and customers are expecting this type of personalization also in other industries where it is not common yet. I think education is a good example of a industry that is not personalized yet but would create a lot of benefits if it would be.
The options that you have listed with the help of AI would create a whole new and better learning experience for students. However, the feasibility of a transition to a system like this would be very complex and time consuming. However, universities could consider partnering up with online course providers, such as Udacity, to test the benefits of implementing personalized courses and potentially implement this for electives. The RSM does already provide courses on coursea but those are not personalized (yet).