Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually being assimilated into education. This shift may present challenges for those accustomed to traditional classroom settings. However, educators don't have to work against AI, but can utilise it to supplement their teaching methods.
Integrating AI tools into the classroom is easier than one might think. Deploying it doesn't require complex technical skills or coding knowledge. Instead, teachers just need to understand which specific tools they can make use of, and how to make use of their intuitive interfaces to personalise student learning, boost efficiency in school management, and support them in their teaching methods.
Role of AI in Modern Education
AI is already being used in educational solutions from Pre-K to higher education institutions. Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) allow teachers to adapt to each student's individual pace and learning style. The Ministry of Education (MOE) has also started to implement AI technologies through features like the Adaptive Learning System and Language Feedback Assistants.
AI can help reinforce fundamental reading and writing skills, or encourage more critical thinking and real-world applications of knowledge. It also has a place in addressing special learning needs. For instance, AI has been used to support students with visual or hearing impairments by generating audio to assist students with dyslexia, or provided translation methods to deaf students. These tools are already increasing accessibility and encouraging equal opportunity across the education system.
Blended learning and flipped classrooms, in which online media and face-to-face teaching methods are combined, are also becoming more prevalent with AI. This collaboration with technology enables educators to offer more guidance to students rather than just lecturing, with the potential to improve learning outcomes.
Understanding AI in Education
Although terms like "machine learning" may sound overly complicated, applying AI in education doesn't require fancy coding skills. There are plenty of AI systems and tools available that not only promote student learning, but also support educators. Some might have a steeper learning curve than others, but most can be mastered with just a bit of practice.
Educators can use AI tools to help manage basic aspects of teaching, allowing them to invest more energy and focus into guiding students, providing additional support and instruction where needed. There are several ways AI technology can be integrated into education:
But while AI is transforming the way students learn, it cannot offer the human interaction that lies at the heart of education. Educators need to work alongside it, and share a place. They need to be the ones evaluating and adapting to different classroom dynamics, and learn how to make use of AI as an assistant to create time and space for them to fill their essential roles.
User-Friendly AI Tools For Classrooms:
Here are some easy AI applications to implement in the classroom for student engagement. These interactive tools don't require coding or mechanical knowledge on your end. Many of them have intuitive dashboards to help you customise your experiences.
Kahoot!
Kahoot! has been a staple of interactive classroom learning for a long time. It is a platform for creating engaging educational games and quizzes to promote student participation. Recent developments have introduced generative AI features to facilitate this process.
The Kahoot! creator will automatically generate questions based on a given topic. Teachers can select and edit them to suit their lesson plan and teaching style. There are also a variety of question formats, including quiz, true or false, slider, and type answer. With millions of kahoots and questions already available, using this app can save valuable lesson planning time for teachers, while providing an opportunity for students to show enthusiasm and participate actively.
Quizlet
Flashcards are a time-tested and effective way for students to learn and memorize information on a particular subject. Quizlet is a virtual learning assistant that uses AI to create dynamic study sets and learning activities for various educational needs.
MagicNotes takes notes and repackages them in several formats such as flashcards and practice tests. QChat is an AI tutor that applies the Socratic method in learning. Through natural language processing, QChat generates questions and prompts students for answers, allowing students to learn through engaging in dialogue with the AI.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom can help to streamline classroom management, simplifying lesson planning and grading workflows. It offers a range of AI integrations such as Gemini, a generative AI chatbot that can be used to build assessments, summarise documents, and more.
Google Classroom can assist teachers in tailoring content to their students' needs and interests. Teachers can create interactive assignments and practice sets that provide students with real-time feedback and prompts and hints using AI. This can encourage students to take a more active role in their own learning.
Creating Classrooms of the Future
AI in education will only continue to evolve, and classrooms of the future may look very different to how they are today. The role of teachers will have to adapt and change with the times. With the right training and support, educators can effectively harness the benefits of AI to supplement teaching.
Aventis Learning Group is hosting an upcoming workshop that focuses on leveraging AI to enhance the educational experience. Educators and academic professionals can gain hands-on experience with user-friendly AI tools, and learn to create unique learning experiences for their students. Through the AI for Educators & Trainers and Academics workshop, we aim to help teachers and education leaders understand the benefits and potential pitfalls of these new technologies, ensuing a safe and supportive learning environment.
To find out more about our other courses, or make an inquiry, contact us today.
