The introduction of generative AI within the education system through the likes of ChatGPT has raised considerable concerns, from academic integrity to privacy and security, with many questioning where to draw the line. From secondary to higher education, students are tapping into artificial intelligence to assist with tasks and assessments, while many teachers are still trying to figure it out. In this article, Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Strategy at Instructure, explores these ideas.
According to a recent study from Deloitte, over half of 16-19-year-olds have been using generative AI for education purposes. AI tools, such as ChatGPT, offer a stream of opportunities to enhance students’ learning experiences and ultimately make education more accessible and available.
Artificial intelligence is here to stay, which requires institutions, educators, and edtech providers to work together to introduce it in a responsible and ethical way with the main purpose of driving student learning and outcomes.
AI enables a more bespoke learner experience
Despite the fact that generative AI has brought new challenges and concerns into the education world, it is crucial to recognise the benefits it can provide to the learner experience.
To start, AI tools can save educators time by automating some of the more mundane, time-consuming tasks they encounter throughout their day, giving them more time to focus on learners. Edtech powered by generative AI can also analyse students’ learning practices to find methods and tools that ultimately work best for each individual, offering a more personalised learning experience. These tailored programmes provide an accessible platform for students to better retain and understand information.
Bridging the education gap is top of mind for the Government within the Levelling Up Agenda, which aims to minimise inequality and present improved outcomes for those who may have previously struggled with learning. To meet these goals, education providers must ensure AI-powered learning tools are accessible to everyone – there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning.
Faster and more comprehensive feedback
Having faster and more responsive feedback will be essential in making education more inclusive and, therefore, higher education more diverse.
As students work through tasks and ideas, generative AI can provide students with intelligent tutoring, acting as a support network to provide instant feedback at the exact time of need instead of creating a delay. This not only alleviates pressure on the students, but also the teachers who are managing support across a cohort of students.
For instance, Instructure has recently partnered with Khan Academy to introduce a new solution that integrates its flagship virtual learning environment, Canvas, with the AI writing tutor Khanmigo, which, in essence, enables all students to have their own personal Aristotle as their tutor through the power of AI. This type of tool will enable students to use generative AI to develop critical thinking and writing skills ethically and equitably, as it offers technology-driven feedback and rubric creation. With a particular focus on writing, Khanmigo’s tutoring capabilities offer students a tailored approach to skills development, by measuring tools’ success on results.
Why regulation will be crucial
Whilst there are many benefits to introducing generative AI into the education system, there are a number of ethical considerations surrounding security, privacy, and cheating that need to be recognised. AI must be implemented in a way that is ethical and responsible and doesn’t threaten the standards and quality of education. Being mindful of consistent regulations that are being updated daily by universities across the globe in accordance with legal directives, such as the EU AI Act, is critical to ensure the safety of students.
One way this can be conducted is through using APIs or LTI apps to develop AI tools that are firewalled to mitigate risks. However, there are some concerns around directly entering information into public AI tools on vendor websites, which is why it’s important for educators to receive professional development and training in this area. Ultimately, the more familiar teachers are with the ability and potential risks of these tools, the more likely they are to use them creatively, effectively, and safely.
As AI-powered tools continue to advance, they offer immense opportunities for students to access more personalised education and foster lifelong learning. Consequently, it is essential for institutions to prioritise faculty training which helps educators understand how to introduce AI tools responsibly and securely. There has never been a better time to embrace the incredible potential of AI in enhancing students’ learning experiences and making education more accessible to all. By embracing these opportunities collectively, it is students who ultimately benefit.
Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Strategy at Instructure. Ryan has over 20 years of strategy, marketing and product marketing experience in the tech and edtech fields. He advocates for the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
Instructure is the maker of the virtual learning environment (VLE), Canvas and offers an ecosystem of learning management, assessment, content, and analytic tools to universities worldwide.
