Generative AI changes the face of education: World Economic Forum

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Educators are urged to keep pace with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning institutions to prevent pitfalls associated with using the technology.

A post by the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests that rising AI adoption rates require a new approach from educators in the areas of skill development, assessment, and teaching. Studies have indicated a spike in the reliance on generative AI at Harvard alongside an increase in its proficiency in creativity and logical reasoning.

The WEF report recommends learning new skills for students amid the growing pace of adoption and use. The first skill said by the WEF is a “foundational understanding” of generative AI systems to avoid giving human characteristics to the technology.

A solid introduction to AI will prevent students from having a range of misconceptions about the technology while laying a foundation for its strengths and limitations. The report recommends “problem formulation” as another necessary skill, given the abundance of problem-solving tools.

Educators will be expected to promote exploration and experimentation skills in their students, in addition to reflective and critical thinking skills.

“Given these tools lack an instruction manual and their real-world applications can surprise even their creators, cultivating an exploratory mindset and a readiness to learn through trial and error is key to keeping pace with ongoing advancements,” the report read.

AI’s integration into education will force the hands of administrators to reimagine assessment strategies. The report urges teachers to look beyond AI-generated essays in scoring students, focus on sophisticated problem sets, and create avenues for learners to hone new skills.

The WEF suggests the use of new educational methods like the Problem, AI, Interaction, Reflection (PAIR) framework being used by professors at King’s College London. AI’s use with other emerging technologies is expected to improve the safety and privacy of AI users in learning institutions.

A range of benefits

Several AI developers have rolled out chatbots for classroom use, earning plaudits from teachers and administrators alike. Khan Academy AI tutor has enjoyed massive adoption in North America and Europe, while OpenAI’s ChatGPT is now a mainstay in several universities.

Pundits point to the perks of personalization and equality associated with AI-backed learning while offering time-saving benefits on administrative tasks.

“Given the prevalence of teacher shortages and burnout, AI can be a game-changer, enabling educators to devote more time and energy to their true calling: teaching,” read WEF’s report.

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