The online learning landscape has changed a lot over the last 10 years, and artificial intelligence (AI) has established itself as a key driver in shaping the future of online learning. AI is revolutionizing the way students learn and teachers teach through personalized learning experiences, assessments that do themselves, and more. We will take a look at how AI is changing the education landscape and what we can expect over the next few years.
*Personalized Learning Experiences*
AI truly changes the game when it comes to personalized learning. The traditional classroom has typically provided a one-size-fits-all experience; however, when utilizing AI-driven learning platforms, the machine can analyze responses and modify content based on how the individual is performing from a cognitive standpoint. For example, if a student is struggling with a particular concept, the machine can provide the student with a remediation source, adjust how difficult the questions are, etc. This gives each learner the opportunity to advance at their own pace.
*Intelligent Tutoring Systems*
AI enabled tutoring systems create a virtual assistant for students to receive instantaneous help and learning supports. These intelligent tutoring systems recognize students queries by employing natural language processing (NLP) to interpret and provide the appropriate level of learning support. Unlike human tutors, the AI tutor is both available 24×7, and offers a more equitable opportunity to access education. Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Sapling Learning already understand how AI can be leveraged to enable learners, by having AI determine how students are progressed through the exercises and providing instantaneous feedback.
*Automated Grading and Feedback*
From a time perspective, grading assignments and sometimes providing feedback, can be overwhelming for teachers. AI employs automation that can assess and evaluate written responses, coding assignments, and more complex problem-solving exercises. Writers’ work can be assessed in bulk and compared against machine learned criteria, which analyze patterns across student work to provide a consistent and unbiased assessment. When teachers don’t have to spend excessive time administering or administrating assessment, they have more time to instruct.
*Enhanced Engagement through Adaptive Content*
Keeping students engaged in an online environment is difficult. AI supports engaging and adaptive content. So if a student engages with a particular topic, the system may recommend resources, videos, or quizzes that are connected to that topic. Integrating gamification aspects of education, which can be fueled by AI can also increase engagement in learning via rewards and progress.
*Using Predictive Analytics to Support Student Success*
Using AI can also identify students that may be in distress before that student falls behind. By looking at the students online activity, quiz scores, and participation, predictive models can identify the number of students that are at risk. Educators can offer support to these at-risk students in an early stage, improving retention. Universities and online course developers are using these engagement tools to get a better outcome out of the student experience, result and learning.
*Challenges and Ethical Considerations*
While AI can help streamline the paths to benefits outlined earlier, it can also create areas of concern. Data privacy is a primary concern with AI, as it generally requires students’ data and typically lots of it to deliver an experience that is usable and meaningful. It is essential to use this data ethically and securely. It will also be important to remember that human interaction is irreplaceable; the role of the teacher in nurturing and inspiring students as they make the transition to online learning remains very relevant.
*Concerns and Ethical Consideration issues*
AI opens a lot of possibilities; moreover, it offers considerations to contend with also. Both hold true with AI and ((data)) privacy! Indeed access to large volumes of student data is the backbone of AI, securing and ethically using data becomes important. Besides, while AI systems can do many things they cannot replicate human interaction and engagement. Teachers play a pivotal role as mentors and motivators in helping students achieve.
*Next Steps*
The landscape for AI in online learning is emergent and it’s hard to believe where it might go! As technology rolls out more advancements, probably new and more innovative tools will improve student learning and be more personalized, Although simply rolling out automation is unlikely to contribute to effective and inclusive learning environments either, so the challenge will be balancing automation to contain much of the human experience.
AI is not just a fad, is changing the future of education. With the potential of AI, online learning can be significantly smarter, faster, more targeted and more accessible. The future of education is here. The (main) technology leading us there is AI.