How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Higher Education Institutions

How might the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence shape the way you absorb and process information, and what implications could this have for your educational journey in the years to come?

While the image of a robot lecturing in front of a blackboard may come to mind when thinking of AI in education, the reality is that technology has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. Instead of being limited to a single, monotone voice, AI can facilitate access to a wide range of educational resources and support. With the integration of AI, students can receive personalized learning experiences tailored to their individual needs and learning styles, as well all available at any time and from any location.

A recent report on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in the US education system predicts a significant surge of 47.77 percent in AI adoption between 2018 and 2022. This trend is likely to be mirrored in Australia, driven by the US’s prominent global presence and influence.

Teachers are still essential, but AI can greatly enhance their work by automating certain tasks and enhancing the learning experience. In four significant ways, AI can contribute to creating a more engaging and effective learning environment for all students, making universities more enjoyable and productive.

1) Chatbots

Have you ever prepared for a test, only to discover that you were missing some information?

Reaching out to your professor for help with your difficulties is a wise suggestion. However, what should you do if it’s 2 in the morning, the final exam is just hours away, and your professor is currently asleep?

In this scenario, a chatbot is the ideal AI-powered solution. Offering round-the-clock availability to students, chatbots can provide immediate responses to any inquiries, thereby saving valuable time. Simply pose a question like “I’m struggling with my English assignment – can you explain what a noun is?” and receive an instant response. Through machine learning algorithms, the chatbot will continuously refine its understanding of student requests, categorizing similar queries to deliver accurate and relevant answers.

Staffordshire University has introduced a fundamental chatbot, debuted in January 2019, designed to offer tailored and timely responses regarding student schedules, facilitate interactions with individual mentors, and supply solutions to a comprehensive range of 400 common inquiries encompassing campus amenities, support systems, and various other university offerings, as outlined in the official announcement.

2) Intelligent tutoring and customised learning

Utilizing AI can enhance educational experiences since individuals learn uniquely.

IBM’s Watson Tutor is a cutting-edge technology designed to aid educators in pinpointing the most effective areas of focus for each student. The software interacts with students and provides tailored feedback, enabling teachers to make data-driven decisions to enhance student learning. Additionally, the software offers teachers personalized feedback, helping them identify opportunities to improve their teaching methods and foster more effective student engagement.

The advent of artificial intelligence may lead to the displacement of human tutors. A prime illustration of this emerging trend is MATHiaU, a cutting-edge platform developed by Carnegie Learning. By leveraging practical, real-life scenarios, this innovative tool educates students in mathematics, providing meticulous guidance as they work through problems in a sequential manner. Furthermore, it has the capability to reframe questions to facilitate better understanding.

3) Learning environments

The rapid pace of technological progress has made what was once considered unimaginable now a reality. The integration of augmented reality and artificial intelligence has enabled the development of personalized learning environments that can be with tailored educational experiences that were previously unattainable.

Artificial intelligence is making significant strides in the realm of language, where it is removing bar in point is the Presentation Translator plugin for Microsoft Office PowerPoint, which is available at no cost. This innovative tool can interpret speech60 languages and display subtitles to a diverse audience.

The Captivating Virtual Instruction for Training at the University of Southern California is a novel educational setting that replicates real classrooms through online means. This replication includes incorporating elements such as humor, tone, pace, and subject matter from traditional classroom settings.

They are also creating PAL3, a personalized learning companion for lifelong education, which will be accessible through mobile devices and provide engaging, user-friendly experiences.

Certain things will not change.

Despite the increasing integration of AI in education, the human element will continue to play a vital role in the classroom. While AI may excel in lecturing on technical topics like logarithmic operations, it cannot replicate the warmth and personal connection that a human teacher provides. As we move forward in a rapidly changing world, it’s important to ensure that learning remains an engaging and dynamic experience.