Artificial intelligence (AI) in education isn't just a fantasy anymore. It took only a few months for generative AI, ChatGPT, and other AI chatbots to shake up education, and their impact has continued to grow. The new technology has far-reaching implications for learning and education. Students have embraced it as a homework-assistance tool or even a full-on substitute for writing papers.
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For example, in March 2023, the company launched Duolingo Max, which uses GPT-4 technology to add two new features to Duolingo Super. Those features explain wrong answers to users and offer a role-playing feature that allows users to practice conversations in different scenarios.
In early 2024, the company laid off contract workers, saying it plans to use AI to create more lessons. It also introduced a generative AI subscription plan and has launched a feature called Video Call with an AI character, as well as a game-based experience called Adventures. As AI adoption increases, the opportunities for AI language learning are likely to expand.
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2. AI in writing
While some students have already discovered that ChatGPT can be a useful tool for outsourcing homework, the generative AI technology also offers real benefits for students who are learning how to write or trying to write more clearly.
Grammarly, the AI-based spelling and grammar check tool, is one well-known example of an AI tool that is used to help with writing. The program offers advice for clarity, tone, and other qualities for better prose, and web browsers like Microsoft (MSFT +0.28%) Edge have introduced similar tools.
Similarly, ChatGPT and other generative AI programs can rewrite, edit, or make changes to documents in other ways as needed. For creative writers, AI tools can also help with writing prompts, story ideas, dialogue, and other needs, and they can help writing teachers come up with similar ideas to help with teaching.
Although plagiarism will always be unethical, it's a mistake for educators to ignore the potential for AI programs to help students become better writers.
3. Early childhood education
There is also a wide range of existing and potential applications for AI in early childhood education. AI can be used to create interactive games and other teaching tools that can teach young children academic or social skills.
Artificial intelligence can also be used to power monitoring systems to help track children's behavior and glean insights into their development. It can function as a teacher's helper, paying attention to children when the instructor is busy. Some studies have shown that AI can enhance teaching and learning in early childhood education, including the development of language skills.
There are also AI-powered toys that can help introduce children to artificial intelligence concepts and improve early learning. AI gives teachers the ability to customize lessons to hold kids' attention and offer assistance in areas like speech development.
4. AI in teaching
Although a number of jobs are at risk from AI, teaching does not appear to be one of them -- at least not at the K-12 level. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the value of in-school learning, and school offers other benefits for students, like socialization.
AI technologies can provide many benefits to teachers, saving them time and redirecting their energy to more valuable tasks. They can assist with things like lesson plans and creating tests. Programs like ChatGPT can also help with grading papers and homework, offering personalized help to students, and even creating videos from textbooks.
The potential is vast, and classroom teachers are likely to take full advantage of this technological breakthrough.
Future of AI in education
AI education won't fully disrupt the school system, and students and teachers are already taking advantage of new technologies like ChatGPT. AI is likely to supplement the existing educational infrastructure rather than disrupt it, and learning how to use such tools should become a priority for students and teachers, much like computer science has become more valuable over the last three decades.
Above all, AI tools could improve learning outcomes and allow teachers to focus on areas where they can add more value. However, there are risks to using AI in education.
There are signs that AI is contributing to learning loss, and some schools are struggling to push back against AI as students use it for homework help or even plagiarize from it. Some schools are going back to in-person exams, wary of students using ChatGPT at home.
From an investing perspective, there doesn't appear to be many great investment opportunities in AI for education at the moment, as a number of education stocks have fallen on the threat from ChatGPT and related tools. Still, investors looking to invest in AI stocks can also consider AI exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and even AI chatbots.
As generative AI technology continues to develop, there are likely to be more investment opportunities available.
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