Review of Technology and Learning in 2023

As the new school year approaches, the education sector is bracing for an exciting shift, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly prevalent. Here's a roundup of the latest developments in this area.

Khan Academy Unveils Khanmigo

Khan Academy, the renowned online learning platform, has announced the launch of Khanmigo - a GPT-4-powered learning guide. This innovative tool is being made available to select educators and students, marking a significant step towards AI-driven education.

Reshaping AI Practices in Education

Dr. Stephanie Smith Budhai, an associate clinical professor at Drexel University, is advocating for the reshaping of AI practices in education. She believes that AI tools can revolutionise teaching methods, making them more efficient and saving teachers valuable time.

AI in the Classroom: A Double-Edged Sword

Lance Key, an award-winning educator, echoes Dr. Budhai's sentiments, but also raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI. For instance, Erik Ofgang, Tech & Learning Senior Writer and a higher ed instructor, wrote about his experience of suspecting a student's essay was AI-generated in an introductory online college course.

AI Tools for Efficiency

On the positive side, tools like SlidesGPT and the free versions of ChatGPT and Google Bard are being hailed as valuable resources for teachers. These tools can help educators prepare for classes more efficiently, creating slide presentations and generating text, respectively.

The Battle Against AI Detection

However, the rise of AI has also brought about the need for AI detection tools. Edward Tian, a senior at Princeton University, created GPTZero, a tool designed to detect writing generated by ChatGPT. Interestingly, 13 free AI detection websites were tested, with some being fooled by ChatGPT text, indicating they haven't kept up with its advances.

The Impact of AI on Education

Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, believes the impact of AI technologies like ChatGPT will be greater in education and beyond than the advent of search engines or smartphones. He sees AI as a tool that can personalise learning, making education more accessible and effective for students.

New Research on Note-Taking Methods

Meanwhile, new research finds that students who take notes outperform students who photograph slides during online lectures. This underscores the importance of active participation in the learning process, even in an AI-driven educational landscape.

AI in the Classroom: A Gap in School Policies

President Biden's executive order around AI doesn't address the gaps in school AI policies, but it does draw attention to opportunities and challenges in AI education. As AI continues to reshape the educational landscape, it's crucial for schools to develop policies that ensure its benefits are maximised while minimising potential risks.

The Future of AI in Education

The closing gap between science fiction and the classroom is an exciting prospect. Robot tutors, hologram lessons, and near-instant translation tools are no longer just concepts but are becoming a reality. As we move forward, it's clear that AI will play a significant role in shaping the future of education.

In a recent case at the University of California, Davis, a student was falsely accused of using AI to cheat on a take-home exam. Unfortunately, there are no search results providing the name of the intern who was suddenly accused and whose graduation was therefore at risk. This underscores the need for fair and accurate AI practices in educational settings.

As we navigate this new era of AI in education, it's essential to approach it with a balanced perspective, recognising its potential to revolutionise learning while being vigilant about the potential risks and challenges.