AI and the Future of the Education Industry

In the era of modern education, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a regular topic of conversation. Some teachers are concerned about the impacts AI has on their teaching, and many are ready to embrace and adapt to these new advancements in technology. But how do we embrace the use of AI as an educator? How do we know if students are learning and not using AI instead? How can we embrace AI in the classroom as educators? Through this blog we explore the impact of AI on the education industry, focusing on its effects on students, teachers, communication, and what the future of the education industry looks like – with AI. 

How does AI impact students and learning? 

Positive Impacts: 

• AI-powered tools can tailor educational content to an individual student’s learning needs. AI provides a more adaptive space for learning, particularly if technology is an integral part of the classroom.  

• Though not every this should be trusted, like many search engines AI can quickly provide answers to questions, particularly if the student needs to access an answer quickly. 

Negative Impacts: 

• Like social media, mobile technology and other online spaces, AI removes face-to-face human interaction, potentially affecting social and emotional development of children in crucial developmental years.  

• AI is not regulated well to date, thus there are privacy concerns particularly with the information students might provide to the AI.  

What can AI offer teachers?  

Positive Impacts: 

• AI can help automate administrative tasks, quickly write classroom plans or support intricate written details for the classroom. This allows teachers to focus more on teaching and mentoring. 

• Professional Development: AI-driven tools offer teachers opportunities for continuous professional development and growth by providing insights and resources tailored to their needs. 

Negative Impacts: 

• Lack of Personal Touch – While AI can support teachers, it cannot replace the personal touch, physical teaching in classrooms and emotional connection that teachers form in their classrooms. 

• Safety concerns – Teachers need training to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching methods, they need to also be mindful of what they are putting in and the risk of breaching privacy (with education information and student information). 

Should We Embrace AI in Education? 

AI can and should be used to support efficiencies in the classroom, teachers should acknowledge AI’s potential benefits while being cautious of its risks. We can embrace AI in the classroom by using it to support teaching, create activities, have fun with students and foster innovation. Teachers are often at the forefront of new trends, and AI has been established as one of these trends.  

What Does the Future Look Like in the Classroom? 

The future classroom is likely to be a blend of AI and human interaction. AI will play a central role in automating administrative tasks, creating resources, providing data and delving into valuable insights for educators. This will allow teachers to focus on the emotional management of the classroom, hopefully freeing up time to create bespoke classrooms that nurture the needs of their learners in ways they have not had a chance when bogged down by paperwork. AI-powered communication tools are also being developed to help nurture efficiencies in school communication, Skool Loop is always looking for ways to support excellent communication that supports and empowers community within schools.