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"Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly transform education," notes UC San Diego education expert Amy Eguchi, who feels both enthusiastic and apprehensive about this possibility.
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Eguchi is no stranger to technological advancement. As a teaching professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego's School of Social Sciences, she brings significant expertise in robotics and computer science education. She has participated in RoboCupJunior—a global robotics competition for children and teenagers—for over two decades.
She also provides guidance to the AI Task Force within the Los Angeles Unified School District and oversees a project aimed at enhancing STEM education in refugee populations. Due to these and other initiatives, Eguchi has gained a thorough comprehension of how to utilize new technologies to benefit students and educational institutions.
Although some people might imagine—or be concerned—about a future involving robot educators, Eguchi advises against rushing into it. Robots are becoming more common globally for duties such as food delivery and meal preparation, and research indicates they could be beneficial for language learning and supporting students with autism. However, they remain costly, challenging to upkeep, and not yet widely implemented in schools.
On the other hand, AI tools are significantly easier to access. From inquiries about whether students are utilizing AI to finish their assignments to the emergence of AI chatbot tutors, Eguchi states that artificial intelligence is already "transforming" education. We had a conversation with her to discover more.
What are some of the advantages and difficulties associated with the increasing application of AI in educational institutions?
AI has three distinct aspects: one involves utilizing AI, another focuses on teaching through AI, and the third is about educating people about AI. However, discussions often only center around using AI. It's important to address all three areas, which will then allow for a more comprehensive conversation on integrating AI into classrooms.
Educators must have a comprehensive understanding of how artificial intelligence functions in order to make well-informed choices about its application. Recently, I spoke with a kindergarten teacher who was deeply concerned and asked me, "Do I really need to incorporate AI with my students? I don't even know what it is." She was experiencing significant stress, which is not beneficial. This is an extremely challenging and unjust position for teachers to be in.
That's why AI literacy—and assisting educators in incorporating AI literacy into their teaching—is a top focus for me. It's crucial to take things slowly and ensure teachers feel at ease and assured before introducing AI into the classroom.
It's also crucial to consider how to implement AI in ways that are suitable for different age groups and to tackle privacy concerns. Therefore, there are still many gaps to fill at this stage, but I remain hopeful. Artificial intelligence has the ability to simplify our lives—possibly enhancing our productivity and creativity—if we learn to use it more as a cooperative ally.
In what ways do these advancements impact the evolving nature of learning? Do you feel anxious, optimistic, or something different?
I am optimistic that this might be the long-awaited turning point where teaching and learning will undergo significant changes, as education is one of the few systems that has remained largely unchanged since its beginning.
Artificial intelligence is here to remain, so we must choose to ensure it brings benefits according to our desires. If we take no action, it might result in unfavorable consequences.
This seems like a significant shift, but similar concerns arose when computers and mobile phones were initially brought into classrooms. We have adjusted to those technologies and will do the same with AI in the future.
A core objective of education is to get our students ready to make valuable contributions to society. Given the swift pace of change, it's essential to provide students with the skills necessary to handle and succeed in an ever-changing environment. We must focus on teaching them how to learn and how to adjust.
Thanks to AI advancements, educators will have to adjust the focus of their teaching. Achieving high levels of skill may not hold the same significance as before. Learners might need to concentrate more on understanding how to assess and verify information, since existing AI systems aren't always trustworthy for checking facts. They will also require solid abilities in editing and improving their work.
Increased integration of AI in educational settings may promote a stronger emphasis on comprehensive learning rather than relying on memorization.
You are an instructor for educators, and you provide several courses on teaching computing, including one focused on using educational robots in instruction. What do you hope your students apply in their own upcoming classrooms?
In my class, students get hands-on experience with educational robotics kits before they learn how to instruct others on their use. It's crucial for them to understand these tools through troubleshooting and gaining knowledge from their errors.
Artificial intelligence, robotics, and computer science differ from other disciplines because many individuals lack previous exposure to these areas. In contrast, subjects such as mathematics and writing often have a base of knowledge that students gain through their education, making instruction in these areas feel more familiar. However, as these technologies are relatively new, it is essential for us to start by exploring our own learning journeys.
Final reflections on the future of AI in the field of education?
Artificial intelligence holds great promise for improving education, but it's essential to approach its use with careful consideration.
Additionally, consider the link between artificial intelligence and robotics. Moving ahead, robots will incorporate AI within their systems. This enables robots to analyze information more quickly and in more complex manners. They will be capable of performing a wide range of tasks in the near future. It hasn't reached the stage depicted in films yet, but that possibility may be on the horizon.
Once more, we must be deliberate in the execution—and ensure that every student and every teacher has access to top-notch educational experiences.
Provided by the University of California, San Diego
This narrative was first released onTech Bytes Lab.
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