Over the last couple of months, we have heard extensively about the impact that AI tools like ChatGPT have had on our lives. However, you may not have considered the role AI has on online education.
AI is Changing the Future of Online Education
According to ExpressVPN blog post, AI is evolving quickly. There is no dispute that it is going to have a huge effect on many aspects of our life. The online education sector is no exception.
There is no denying the fact that AI is changing the future of education. Grandview Market Research reports that academic institutions spent $2.75 billion on AI last year. That figure is projected to grow 36% a year for the foreseeable future.
Just today, it was reported that a professor used ChatGPT to write 1,700 words in three minutes. As impressive as that is, the real role of AI in education is even more exciting.
The growing market for AI in academia is not surprising, since it has significantly improved the quality of online education. Major online learning platforms such as Coursera were founded by computer scientists with strong backgrounds in AI technology. These experts had experience working with leading tech companies before launching their own startups.
Every facet of academia is starting to use modules that rely on AI technology. Online courses have already reduced costs, inequality, and improved graduation rates. The AI revolution could make online education even smarter, faster, and cheaper. It has begun to change the future of academia forever and the changes will become even more significant as AI evolves.
What are the real benefits of AI? Have social scientists been able to demonstrate the ROI that AI provides for online learning institutions? Keep reading to learn more.
New Research Shows of AI Has Positive Impact on Online Education
AI systems can assist with online learning in many important ways. One of the benefits is that they can create personalized learning opportunities for students. AI can also help instructors automate time-intensive tasks and assess student performance more easily.
However, many experts are still trying to understand the actual impact AI has on student-instructor interactions. Interaction is crucial for student satisfaction and learning outcomes. To identify gaps or challenges, a team of researchers from Korea used an app called Speed Dating with storyboards to analyze the voices of twelve students and eleven instructors on diverse use cases of AI systems in online learning. Their findings were published in The International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.
In this study, participants were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the ability of AI systems to enable personalized interaction with their online learning platform. They were also asked about their views on various concerns such as violating social boundaries, responsibility, agency, and surveillance issues.
The overall sentiment was positive. The participants stated that AI systems can improve communication, provide personalized support, and improve the feeling of connection. They did raise concerns about the need for careful data collection and data presentation, but stated AI was a net positive for online learning.
What Are the Benefits of AI in Online Education
There are many major benefits of using AI in online education. Some of the biggest advantages are listed below.
Adaptive Learning Opportunities
Adaptive learning programs can help students avoid stressful situations by adjusting to their pace. Progress analysis can motivate students to continue their education. With adaptive learning, students can control their improvement and program complexity. This style of learning is successful for busy students with individual schedules.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills
AI in the classroom can help students develop important 21st-century skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These skills are crucial for success in the digital age and can be honed through hands-on experience with AI tools and applications.
Incorporate Personalization into Online Learning
Incorporating AI into the classroom can provide students with a personalized learning experience. AI algorithms analyze student data and adapt to their learning styles, providing tailored feedback and recommendations. This keeps students engaged and motivated, leading to improved academic performance.
Help Students Learn More About AI Itself
AI in the classroom can deepen students’ understanding of this rapidly-evolving technology. Teachers can help students develop a critical perspective on AI by incorporating it into the curriculum. This prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
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