Classrooms are rapidly adopting AI-powered learning resources. Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, Duolingo Max, plus ChatGPT and large-scale models are reshaping student learning together with teacher instruction. AI tutors are able to provide personalized support, instead of traditional teachers who use a “one-size-fits-all” approach, because they adapt explanations and also exercises to the individual learners’ pace and their needs.
This topic is now touched upon by Duolingo Max, which provides simulated role-play talks using Artificial Intelligence. This function allows language learners to practise real-world situations, like ordering at a restaurant or talking about hobbies, in a secure setting. Khanmigo is a model that assists kids with scientific or math challenges. Furthermore, it also helps teachers by tracking students’ progress and proposing tasks that match their individual learning paths. According to preliminary research, students are more interested in the content when the AI adjusts the learning method based on the students ‘ needs, like summaries or practical tasks.
Reacting to the digital transformation, universities and schools are simultaneously experimenting with AI tutors as “assistants” rather than replacements. While on the one side, AI handles simple teaching or exercises, tutors concentrate more on deeper discussions with and among students. Universities and schools are simultaneously experimenting with AI tutors as “assistants” rather than replacements. While AI handles simple teachings or exercises, teachers concentrate on intricate discussions. A rural student may eventually have an academic level comparable to a student in a prestigious city school thanks to this hybrid approach, which ensures access to high-quality education.
But there are also challenges that schools and universities will face, which need to be addressed as well. Not all students have the same reliable access to devices or even the internet to be able to use this form of learning. This could actually widen the gap between those who are unable and those who are able to afford this form of learning. Additionally, accuracy could also raise a concern, since AI tools at times give incorrect or biased answers, which could impact students’ learning progress and might not be scrutinized by inexperienced pupils.
This brings up crucial questions: Will AI tutors actually bring educational exclusivity, or will they even increase the “digital divide”? Moreover, how much should we trust AI tutors guiding the academic path of our children?
What do you think? Is this just another tech hype cycle, or are we seeing the beginning of a true revolution in education? Feel free to leave your thoughts about this topic in the comments!
References:
Duolingo. “Introducing Duolingo Max, a Learning Experience Powered by GPT-4.” Duolingo Blog, 14 Mar. 2023, blog.duolingo.com/duolingo-max/.
Khan Academy. “Meet Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s AI-Powered Teaching Assistant & Tutor.” Khanmigo.ai, 2024, www.khanmigo.ai/.
Nichols-Barrer, Ira. “Does Student Attrition Explain KIPP’s Success?” Education Next, vol. 25, no. 1, 30 Sept. 2014, www.educationnext.org/student-attrition-explain-kipps-success/, https://doi.org/1026079/homepage-main-970.
I found your topic of choice very interesting. The way that AI started to gain ground in the educational sector is an important topic to address. I consider that AI tutors’ effectiveness strongly depends on the educational purposes of which humans choose to use them.
On the one hand, they could bring educational exclusivity and significant benefits to students’ learning paths. This could be relevant for instance in scientific subjects, such as physics or mathematics, where the curriculum and research are fixed and not interpretable. AI could better explain concepts step by step and help students solve the scientific problems. Moreover, language courses could benefit greatly from AI, especially by using AI tutors as conversational partners within daily discussions simulations. Since many students are used to speaking one or two languages frequently, at home or with friends, this exposure would create opportunities to practice new languages in different real-life situations. In addition, children would improve their skills, reduce language barriers, and build confidence in speaking foreign languages.
On the other hand, the digital resources to implement AI tutors are substantial. It would be difficult to avoid unequal access to support features. Furthermore, relying too heavily on AI tutors to teach new generations could have a negative impact on children’s social development. There are past cases when AI tools lead to severe consequences of individuals’ health, life, or experiences. Since children are especially vulnerable and easily influenced, such risk might put them in potential danger. Additionally, the use of AI tutors alone does not ensure proper development of inter- and intra-personal skills.
To conclude, I believe AI tutors could help teachers and students in a complementary way, but they should not totally replace human presence within the educational field.