Educators and tech companies have been teaming up to create tools students and teachers can use to increase learning and better use their time in the classroom. While some kids find school easy and fun, others struggle. One of the benefits of AI for students is that it’s potentially helpful for both kinds of learners, and I’m excited about that.
In part one, I discussed three specific benefits of AI for students, and how will impact students’ education. Here are 3 more. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. As one Newark educator put it in this interview with CBS News, “It’s important for us all to learn [about AI] together… This is a new technology, and it’s here to stay.”
1. AI tools can tailor learning to each student’s needs.
With AI tools, students can learn at their own pace. Remember how frustrating it was when the teacher seemed to move too fast through a lesson? You felt lost, and too embarrassed to ask questions. Well, now, with AI tools, students can learn at their own pace. They can ask the AI tutor or chatbot questions. AI algorithms “can analyze data on a student’s learning style, progress, and interests,” according to The Princeton Review. This “can help learners stay engaged and motivated, as they are more likely to be interested in content that is tailored to their needs.”
2. AI tools can make learning more fun.
Last year, my son’s teacher let him take home some VR glasses to do an interactive lesson. We both had fun testing it out. Looking back, it was one of the most memorable homework assignments of the year.
When technology is incorporated in learning, it can make things a lot more fun. With AI, kids learn in a way that might not even feel like learning. The Princeton Review says, “AI can be used to create interactive and engaging educational content, such as games, simulations, and virtual reality experiences.” When learning is more fun and memorable, kids make progress faster.
3. AI tools can provide real-time feedback to teachers.
Do you remember “busy work?” Work teachers made kids do to pass the time in class? Kids do it half-heartedly because they know teachers won’t collect it. And remember how it felt to turn in an assignment and then wait, seemingly forever, to find out how you did? That’s all going to change with AI.
When students do math, reading comprehension, social studies, or anything else using an AI-powered learning tool, teachers will receive real-time feedback on how their students are doing. They’ll be able “to track how well their students are understanding concepts by monitoring individual progress throughout a lesson or course,” says Keymakr, a company specializing in AI technology solutions. This will let teachers see when intervention is needed and for which students. Could AI bring an end to “busy work?” It might. AI looks like it has the real potential of making class time more productive for everyone.
Sound off: What AI tools have you tried? What are your first impressions of them?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What’s your favorite tech tool to use?”