The UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all. The primary aim of technology is not only equipping students with information and communication technology skills but also achieving quality education free from the limitations of location and time. It should also encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
According to Microsoft Research (MSR), AI will become a norm in every aspect of higher education. In a survey conducted by the MSR, in collaboration with the Times Higher Education, feedback on the benefits of AI and its current status in higher education was provided by the global university leaders. Mentioned following are the major points stated by them:
- Only a minority of universities currently have an AI strategy, but most plan to develop one
- Universities find it difficult to recruit and retain staff able to teach and research in AI
- AI will increase employers’ demand for university graduates and will not lead to university closures
- AI will be able to assess students, provide feedback, and generate test scientific hypotheses
A profound change in the nature of employment exists worldwide. In a world where AI promises to transform 500 million white-collar jobs in the next 5 years, the disconnect of the higher education industry will take a huge toll on graduates in the workforce. Therefore, the university that offers courses in AI should provide its students with a personalized learning pathway such as daily workouts and exercises. Subjects and courses in ethics and philosophy in AI will be valuable at professional levels when it comes to complex decision making, critical thinking, entrepreneurship and emotional intelligence.
Boston Consulting Group had surveyed the future of jobs in the era of AI. In their analysis, they emphasized the importance of updating the education system. They stated that countries that leverage education to create attractive locations for companies will gain a competitive edge over their static neighbors.
AI applications in higher education
Adoption of AI in higher education will not only promise a better career for the students, but it will also contribute to the quality of learning. The application of AI in higher education can be summarized into three different points:
- Institutional Applications: Marketing, Recruiting, Admission, Curriculum development and Resource planning.
- Student Support: Guidance, Just-in-Time Financial Aid, Early Warning
- Instructional Applications: Self-paced progress, Personalized Learning
In January 2019, an article was published in Wall Street Journal, that spoke about how some colleges and universities are using ML to understand the interest level of students in attending their institutions. Some schools monitor how much time a student has taken to open a particular email. Tools like chatbots, and smart text messaging allow collages to answer queries at a lightning-fast speed. Platforms such as ‘Knewton’ that helps teachers in understanding the proficiency level of students, and AI-based teaching assistants like Jill at Georgia Tech, are helping students to learn more memorably. With AI, students can now create their lessons for self-learning by using smart content.
AI is also simplifying the teaching methodology through automated class management systems. It as well analyses students’ interest in class through facial recognition. AI is also being widely adopted by universities for admission. Universities make use of ML techniques to extend guidance and support to the students. They can use data about students to give them microloans or advances if they need the money for clearing dues.
Facing challenges and moving ahead
One of the major challenges faced in the implementation of AI in higher education is the lack of access to upgraded technology and the time consumed in its implementation process. It requires a great amount of planning, design thinking and training among educators for the successful application of AI in educational institutions. Some elements should be taken into consideration to ensure that the execution of AI tools is optimal:
- Procurement: Technologies and companies that are under contractual obligations to provide data about students should be kept under close watch.
- Training: The people who handle the data should be well trained.
- Oversight: A continuous process of examination should be put into effect to analyze the working of the AI tools.
- Policies and Principles: Institutions should have strong policies surrounding the implementation of AI tools. They should put those policies into practice.
- Participation: Students and faculty members should provide input on their concerns and what they would like to see from these systems.
It is no argument that AI will have a huge role in determining the future of higher education across the world and that the community of students and teachers will enjoy its benefits. However educational institutions will have to overcome challenges and show confidence in using technology for teaching and learning.
Source: indiaai.gov.in
