5. AI in tutoring
While AI isn't a 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. Programs like ChatGPT allow users to come up with a specific and unique study plan that will work for the student.
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.
Types of AI technologies in education
AI is being used in a lot of different ways in education. Let's take a look at some of the types of AI being used in education.
- Generative AI: Generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT are being used to create tests, slideshows, lesson plans, or personalized study plans, among other functions.
- AI Assistants: AI writing assistants like Grammarly are another way AI is being used in education, as these tools can give immediate feedback to students.
- Personalized learning plans: Programs like DreamBox can adjust a curriculum to a student's needs and pace, for example, by making questions easier or harder.
- Automated grading: There are a lot of AI tools that teachers can use to give grades or assessments, even for written assignments like essays.
- Lesson planning: AI has a lot of useful applications for teachers, including lesson planning, test design, and related features that can save time for teachers.
Pros and cons of AI in education
AI is a controversial topic in most fields, especially in education. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of AI in education.
Pros
- AI can save time and labor.
- It can write tests and make lesson plans.
- It can serve as an assistant to teachers in the classroom.
- AI can offer instant feedback to students in areas such as writing.
Cons
- It's easy to rely too much on AI technology, which can limit critical thinking.
- AI can make it easier to cheat.
- AI can be a distraction to students and contribute to learning loss.
- It can discourage learning by making answers readily available.
Cost of AI in education
Any technology has a cost, and that's certainly true for artificial intelligence. However, there's no simple answer as to how much it costs in education.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are free for individuals to use, but they typically cost money at an institutional level. The California University System announced a partnership with OpenAI, giving 500,000 users access to ChatGPT Edu for a reported $17 million, or less than $3/month. For teachers, generative AI systems designed for lesson planning can cost as little as $25/month.
Elsewhere, millions of dollars are pouring into AI initiatives. Google.org, Alphabet's (GOOG +0.56%)(GOOGL +0.46%) philanthropy arm, planned to invest $25 million in five education nonprofits to help educators and students use AI. There's a broad range of tools available for AI education, and students and teachers can find everything from basic, free assistants to specialized tools for needs like lesson planning.
The changing role of educators in the AI era
AI is changing the role of teachers and educators in a number of ways. First, school districts across the country are facing teacher shortages, and AI can mitigate those shortages by easing teacher workloads and reducing the risk of burnout.
But AI can be more than just a time-saver for teachers. It can also help them formulate different instruction plans for students with different learning styles.
AI can also free teachers in the classroom to focus on tasks that only a teacher can provide, like forming connections with students and having a dialogue about feedback. Much like AI can be used the wrong way by students -- to do homework assignments, for instance -- AI can also be misused by teachers. However, if used properly, AI can help improve instruction and enhance outcomes for students.
