Artificial intelligence (AI) in education isn't just a fantasy anymore. It's only taken a few months for generative AI and ChatGPT to shake up education.
The new technology has far-reaching implications for learning and education and has been embraced by students as a homework-assistance tool or as a full-on substitute for writing papers.
The new technology was such a threat to traditional learning that New York City public schools banned ChatGPT from in-school devices just weeks after it launched.
Meanwhile, shares of Chegg (CHGG -0.87%), which rents textbooks and provides homework assistance help, fell by almost 50% in one session after it revealed that new user growth had slowed because of competition from ChatGPT.
It's clear that generative AI is setting off a transformation in education, and it's only just beginning.
In this look at AI for education, we'll discuss the basics of artificial intelligence and how it's affecting education. We'll provide several examples of AI in education and explain how the role of AI in education will take shape in the future.
What is artificial intelligence?
What is artificial intelligence?
When we talk about artificial intelligence, we're referring to the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks normally associated with human intelligence.
This can include anything from machine learning to natural language processing to computer vision to robotics and neural networks.
Computer Vision
These days, most people may think of generative AI tools like ChatGPT when they think of artificial intelligence, but it has been operating behind the scenes online and in computer systems for years.
Companies like Meta Platforms (META -0.09%) and Netflix (NFLX 1.71%) rely on recommendation AI to decide on what accounts and movies to show you, and the Facebook parent also uses AI to screen images that it doesn't allow, such as nudity.
Additionally, chatbots and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri offer another example of widely used AI systems.
Five uses of AI in education
Five uses of AI in education
1. Translation and language learning
1. Translation and language learning
One of the most direct applications of AI in education is translation and language learning.
ChatGPT can capably handle translations and can serve as a language-learning tool, helping students check their work and teaching them things like vocabulary and grammar.
Among the stocks that fell in the wake of Chegg's announcement about the challenge from ChatGPT was Duolingo (DUOL 1.33%), the popular language-learning app.
Investors feared that Duolingo users could stop paying for its services and instead just use free AI tools like ChatGPT. However, Duolingo has already integrated some of ChatGPT's features into its product.
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.
AutoGPT
As AI adoption increases, the opportunities for AI language learning are likely to expand.
2. AI in writing
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 being used to help with writing. The program offers advice for clarity, tone, and other qualities to improve writing.
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 it 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
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 to glean insights into their development. It can function as a teacher's helper, paying attention to children when the teacher is busy.
Some studies have shown that AI can improve teaching and learning in early childhood education, including developing language skills.
There are also AI-powered toys that can help introduce children to artificial intelligence concepts and improve early learning.
4. AI in teaching
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 pandemic showed how valuable in-school learning is, and school offers other benefits for students, like socialization.
However, AI technologies can provide a lot of benefits to teachers, helping them save time and redirect their energy to more valuable tasks.
The tasks that AI programs like ChatGPT can help with include creating lesson plans, assisting with grading papers and homework, offering personalized help to students, and even creating videos from textbooks.
The potential is vast, and classroom teachers should aim to take full advantage of this technological breakthrough.
5. AI in tutoring
5. AI in tutoring
Another one of the more useful applications for AI is tutoring.
While AI isn't a complete substitute for classroom learning, it can help students who are falling behind and need extra practice.
AI programs can drill students in any subject and coach them on areas that require extra study.
AI is especially useful for tutoring because it can be personalized, and programs like ChatGPT allow users to come up with a specific and unique study plan that will work for the student.
Among the classes that AI is best suited for include geography, languages, physics, math, computer programming, chemistry, and more.
Teachers can also work with students to design AI tutoring programs that can help students master a subject in a learning style that works best for them.
Is AI the future of education?
Is AI the future of education?
Artificial intelligence education won't fully disrupt the school system, but students and teachers alike are already taking advantage of new technologies like ChatGPT, as the Chegg announcement shows.
In education, 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 seem likely to improve learning outcomes and free teachers to focus on areas where they can add more value.
At the moment, there don't appear to be many great investment opportunities in AI for education since a number of education stocks have fallen on the threat from ChatGPT. Still, investors looking to invest in AI stocks can also consider AI ETFs and even AI chatbots.
As generative AI technology continues to develop, there are likely to be more investment opportunities available.
FAQs
AI in education FAQs
How is AI being used in education?
AI has found several successful uses in education, ranging from tasks like assisting with translations and language learning to outsourcing homework and grading assignments. It has also been used to develop interactive games to assist young children's academic and social skills as well as create lesson plans.
What is the main role of AI in education?
AI's primary role in education has been to keep learning interesting for students while providing teachers with a way to quickly adapt, personalize, and cater their lesson plans to all students in their classes.
Can AI replace teachers?
AI is extremely unlikely to fully replace teachers in the classroom. The pandemic has shown us just how valuable in-school learning is, between socialization and personalized assistance in the classroom. However, the impact of AI in education is vast and teachers should aim to take full advantage of the technology available to them.
