Technology and AI in Education
Part 1: Exploring the Benefits and Unintended Consequences
On July 31st, 2024, Pallavan Learning Systems hosted its 15th webinar on the theme, “Technology and AI in Education: Exploring the Benefits and Unintended Consequences’' in association with Ritinjali and Centre for Escalation of Peace.
This webinar was the first part of the two-part webinar series designed to provide a nuanced understanding of how students, teachers, and school leaders are using technology and AI in education, and how coders, IT specialists and policymakers are responding to refine its application in the educational field.
AI's Impact on Education and Creativity
The webinar began with a discussion on the impact of AI on various aspects of technology and its role in shaping intelligence. Speakers highlighted the importance of non-AI-assisted education in shaping individuals and discussed the challenges and opportunities AI presents. It was emphasised that while AI tools can be useful, they have also led to students becoming more reliant on AI and less on their own minds. The need to ensure that creativity is not threatened by the increased use of AI, and that human mentorship and personalised advice remain valuable, was stressed upon.
AI in Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Speakers discussed the challenges and potential consequences of Artificial Intelligence in education. Educators shared their experiences with AI in different disciplines and its impact on classroom dynamics. The importance of individualising student input for more effective use of AI was emphasised, suggesting that AI could be used to expand teaching methods and create inclusive classroom environments. The conversation also addressed the potential costs of relying too heavily on AI in teaching and the changing nature of education in the context of technology. The impact of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, on the education system was discussed, with agreement that education needs to adapt to ensure it is democratising education globally. Privacy and data security concerns were also highlighted.
The Erosion of Trust and its Implications
Speakers expressed concern about the erosion of trust and its implications, emphasising the shift from focusing on means to simply thinking about the ends. Challenges such as plagiarism and copyrights issues were highlighted, signifying the importance of building a sense of integrity and responsibility in students. It was also noted that overreliance on digital platforms hindered students' social and emotional development .
AI in Education: Enhancing Teaching and Learning
To sum up, the panel discussed the ever-increasing role of AI in education, emphasising its use as a tool to enhance teaching and learning, rather than a replacement for analytical thinking skills. They highlighted the challenges teachers face in evaluating student understanding and the need for active student participation in the learning process. The speakers concluded by acknowledging AI's potential benefits and unintended consequences in education and the necessity of maintaining a human touch in the system.
To read the full report, please click here. You can also watch the full webinar video at this link.
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