Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education

What is artificial intelligence?

You may have encountered artificial intelligence (AI) tools already but might not have noticed. AI technology is used in a wide range of applications. For instance, it’s used by online shopping retailers to provide personalised recommendations or by search engines to improve their features and experience. Smartphones use machine learning to provide timely or more relevant services to a given situation. Real-time video communication tools are exploring AI use to enhance the experience, and the use of AI is even being built into autonomous cars. These are all forms of artificial intelligence, some more obvious than others. However, with tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude and the development of large language models (LLM), it’s important for staff to know what AI is, where they’re likely to experience it, and how it might influence or impact them as educators, namely in relation to academic integrity and assessment. 

Situations for using AI are vastly varied, and a plethora of tools are available for general use. Whether it’s a tool to help with writing, performing speech-to-text, helping with stock market analysis, or even providing you with gift ideas, there’s an AI for that. 

The rise of generative AI

The use of generative AI in education has gained significant exposure in the media due to its potential to transform traditional teaching methods. The potential benefits of generative AI in education, such as increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes, have also been highlighted in media coverage. However, there have also been concerns raised about the ethical implications of using AI in education, including issues around data privacy, bias, and the impact on employment for human educators. Overall, the media coverage of generative AI in education has sparked important conversations about the future of learning and the role of technology in education.