Technology and AI in Education
Part 2: Optimising Benefits and Addressing Challenges
On September 25th, 2024, Pallavan Learning Systems hosted its 16th webinar on the theme, “Technology and AI in Education Part 2: Optimising Benefits and Addressing Challenges’' in association with Ritinjali and Centre for Escalation of Peace.
This second part of the series featured a diverse group of experts, including technologists, course content creators, and policymakers. This session focused on how these professionals are addressing the needs and challenges faced by those within the school ecosystem and how they are working to optimise and actualise the use of technology and AI in education.
The webinar placed a significant emphasis on ensuring equitable access to AI-driven educational tools, particularly for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. There was a call for policymakers to address these issues, ensuring that AI-driven education remains accessible to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The session also touched upon the importance of designing AI systems that are accessible to all students and are built for broader effectiveness rather than mere efficiency.
The discussion then centred on the challenges that AI tools, such as ChatGPT, pose to traditional learning approaches, particularly the concern that reliance on AI could reduce the value placed on hard work. A key segment of the webinar explored the integration of AI in education, stressing the need to strike a balance between technology and human-centred learning environments. Panellists discussed potential drawbacks, such as the inability of AI to replicate human interaction and creative thinking, alongside concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the risk of misuse. The discussion highlighted the need to focus on fostering AI integration in ways that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, while preserving the human aspects of education.
The panellists discussed the ethical use of AI, cautioning against the perpetuation of errors and emphasising the need for individuals to critically evaluate the outputs generated by AI. The conversation highlighted the importance of monitoring machine learning algorithms carefully to avoid reinforcing biases, particularly in student assessments. The webinar also explored other potential downsides of relying on AI for learning, including over-dependence, privacy concerns, and copyright issues. There was a particular focus on the importance of educating students about the ethical use of AI-generated content, particularly in relation to plagiarism and intellectual property. Challenges around the precision of AI-generated answers were also raised, with a warning that AI can sometimes blur the lines between facts and fiction if not used in the proper context. However, the panel also acknowledged the potential of AI to provide personalised learning experiences catering to diverse learning styles.
A discussion on the difficulties of teaching abstract subjects like history emphasised the need for experiential learning. The challenge of translating complex ideas such as ethos and narrative across different languages and cultures was noted, alongside the difficulty of teaching concepts like honesty and imperfection. There was also concern about the increasing difficulty students face in handling information overload and the need for enhanced communication skills.
The final part of the discussion focused on the balance needed between the use of technology in learning and the negative effects of excessive screen time. There was a suggestion to differentiate between device usage for learning and for communication, underscoring the need for a balanced approach. The idea of using technology as a ‘digital mentor’ to enhance cognitive skills was also proposed. The session closed with a reminder of the importance of preserving the human element in education, even as technology continues to evolve. There was a unanimous recognition of the ongoing need to address the challenges of AI in education, while optimising its potential benefits to enhance learning experiences for all students.
To read the full report, please click here. You can also watch the full webinar video at this link.
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