Embarking on the AI transformation: Empowering students for life

23 April, 2024

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, students are leading the way in a digital revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). With AI making its mark from educational settings to professional paths, it brings forth a mix of challenges and prospects. For students, grasping the significance and unlocking the capabilities of AI is not only beneficial but crucial for adapting to the intricate future ahead.

Understanding AI

AI, at its essence, encompasses the replication of human intelligence in machines. This replication empowers machines to execute tasks that traditionally necessitate human intellect, including visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. Nevertheless, AI transcends mere automation by integrating algorithms that acquire knowledge from data, adjust to novel inputs, and enhance their performance gradually, a principle commonly referred to as machine learning.

In 2022, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, a natural language processing chatbot, which marked a significant moment in raising public awareness on Artificial Intelligence. However, AI technology has already seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, offering convenience, efficiency, and personalised experiences over an extended period. This integration manifests in various forms, including personal assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant; smart devices like Alexa, Google Home; streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify; AI-driven chatbots; navigation applications; health and fitness wearables; social media platforms utilising facial recognition, targeted advertising based on user preferences and behaviour, smart home devices like lighting systems, AI-enhanced security cameras, and a multitude of other applications.

AI for education

AI's influence on education stands out as one of the most transformative contributions for students and institutions.

For educators – AI tools play a pivotal role in aiding educators to craft interactive and captivating learning materials. For instance, platforms powered by AI can produce tailored quizzes, simulations, and multimedia presentations, enhancing the educational experience within the classroom. AI analytics offer educators valuable insights into student performance, learning patterns, and areas needing improvement. By analysing extensive datasets, AI can detect students at risk early on and enable tailored interventions to enhance their academic achievements.

Additionally, AI-powered automation not only lessens the administrative workload for educators but also boosts precision and productivity. According to a survey conducted by *Deloitte, 67% of education leaders believe that AI will assist in tasks such as managing admissions, scheduling tasks, grading, and maintaining student records. According to the *World Economic Forum, incorporating AI into administrative tasks could cut down the time spent on routine administrative responsibilities by 20%, enabling teachers to concentrate on teaching and guiding students.

For learners - Through AI-driven tools and platforms, the landscape of learning is undergoing a significant shift, offering personalised educational experiences tailored to each student's unique requirements and preferences. Adaptive learning systems meticulously analyse students' performance data, pinpointing areas of strength and weakness, thereby enabling targeted interventions and personalised learning paths. This not only boosts academic success but also nurtures a profound comprehension of subjects and cultivates essential critical thinking abilities.

AI has a crucial role in removing global barriers to education by surpassing geographical boundaries and resource limitations. Educational resources enhanced with AI technology, such as online courses, virtual tutoring sessions, and educational apps, Gen AI, democratises the learning experience, providing students around the world with more accessible and affordable educational materials.

The National Education Policy (*NEP-2020) emphasises on equitable and inclusive education. Furthering this, AI technologies enhance educational accessibility for a wide range of learners, including those with disabilities. Speech recognition, text-to-speech, and other AI tools empower students with disabilities to engage with educational material and actively participate in learning tasks.

However, Educational institutions must address potential pitfalls of AI in learning environments, including over-reliance, cheating, plagiarism, lack of inclusivity, and data security risks. Innovative and conscious strategies can help monitor and ensure responsible AI use for educational benefits.

Preparation for career

In today's dynamic job market, having AI literacy is increasingly crucial for students preparing for their future careers. AI is not just a technology; it's a skill set that enables students to excel in various professional sectors. By mastering AI skills like data analysis, machine learning, and algorithmic thinking, students enhance their competitiveness in the job market and unlock exciting career prospects. Whether venturing into AI research, data science, or interdisciplinary fields, proficiency in AI equips students with the ability to foster innovation, tackle intricate challenges, and influence the future of work.

Collaboration with AI – The way forward

While AI has made significant strides and is evolving rapidly, it cannot entirely replace human beings. The unique qualities of human intelligence, creativity, empathy, and ethical decision-making are unparalleled by AI. As AI progresses, it becomes imperative for students to acknowledge the synergistic potential of human-AI collaboration. Rather than perceiving AI as a substitute for human skills, students should recognize it as a supplementary instrument that enhances their capabilities and enriches their decision-making processes. Through partnerships with AI systems, students can leverage the amalgamation of human ingenuity, intuition, and empathy with AI's analytical acumen and computational efficiency. This mutually beneficial alliance between humans and AI is pivotal in addressing critical societal issues, spanning from climate change and healthcare to education and social equity.

*Some of the beneficial AI tools for education

ChatGPT – AI-powered chatbot for answers to (almost) everything you would want to know and write about!
Grammarly – Writing assistant tool
Copyscape and Turnitin – Plagiarism detection tool
Duolingo – Language learning app
Socratic – App with step-by-step explanations and resources
Mendeley – Collaboration tool for scholars and researchers
Zotero – Reference management tool to collate, organise, and cite references
Evernote – Note-taking application to store and organise notes
Quizlet – A learning platform that helps with learning tools
Wolfram Alpha – Computational knowledge engine for real-world and mathematical problems.
EdX – Adaptive learning technology for online courses from across the world.
Todoist – Task management app
Khan Academy and Coursera – For online courses and adaptive exercises
Miro – Collaborative tool for idea generation and brainstorming
Chegg Study – Tutoring platform for personalised learning assistance
Scribble – Platform for personalised feedback and student grading
Pear Deck – Interactive presentation platform for student engagement and collaboration
Anki – Flashcard app for content retention and memorisation
Squirrel AI – For a personalised learning experience
Google Classroom – To streamline communication, assignment distribution, and grading

The list of AI tools is as suggested by Gen AI. QS I-GAUGE doesn’t recommend or promote any of these tools. Reader discretion is advised.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily represent those of QS-ERA India Private Limited and/or its employees, partners, shareholders, or other stakeholders.