Chapter 29: AI in Education - Design for Inclusion

 Chapter 29: AI in Education - Design for Inclusion

Date/Time: 17th Sep 2024 - Wednesday , 3:30 pm

Sharing some thoughts on AI in education. I think AI has an imminent role to play in education. And AI can definitely help us as educators to create learning experiences that can benefit all kinds of learners. Usually educators are observed as using chatGPT to get access to ready made lesson plans or additional knowledge about a topic. Most people including me are also not aware of the vast functionality of chatGPT. I remember exploring chatGPT while writing one of the articles about chatGPT. It could find information on a topic, it could save the chat, it could summarise the information and maybe analyse to some extent. It could give you ideas on how to teach a topic. It could provide you with lesson plans with objectives, activities and methodology. I don't know if chatGPT could analyse your lesson plan and tell you which areas need to change because it may not lead to an effective or meaningful learning experience. I also don't know if chatGPT could suggest an alternative more effective activity instead.

I have read while exploring on the internet that chatGPT could provide tailored feedback to learners but I don't know how that's possible. But that would be really great if possible and imagining a classroom with 30 plus learners who are all different and unique. Usually as teachers we find it easy to copy paste the same feedback on learners that might show similar results, but if AI could empower us as educators to give detailed and personalised feedback, that would be great.

If AI could be used to evaluate the performance of a learner in an activity or exam, and recommend a different learning pathway, that would end transforming education for all. I am not sure but apps like Reading Eggs and even to some extent Khan Academy that utilise AI abilities provide learning pathways. I remember enrolling learners from the SOS children village in Peshawar in the Reading Eggs program online, and I was amazed to see that all learners after completing an initial assessment were moved towards a different learning path. Interestingly all paths or all activities help the learner move from simple to complex tasks smoothly. They provide feedback and reward the learner after successful completion of the activity.

Now, I think schools could actually create similar apps for their learners based on the data gathered using "Funds of Knowledge" and "Intersectionality". Funds of Knowledge will give us access to the learners background and detailed profiles that can help us create more personalised learning experiences. Similarly knowing about the multiple identities of learners can help us create more appropriate learning resources to calm learners in challenging or tough situations.

Imagine having an AI Assistant who was built on the "Funds of knowledge" and data about the multiple identities of learners. The learner could talk to the AI Assistant while facing a difficult situation in school or even at home. The AI Assistant could evaluate the multiple identities of the learner, even the teachers at school. The AI Assistant could be accessed through the school's LMS or collaborative forum. Schools could also have a mindful chatbot to aid learners during tough times whether at home or at school. Now this chatbot and AI assistant would be more authentic and will provide reliable and trustworthy support.

If possible these AI Assistants could be used to create learning activities based on multiple identities of learners or recommend activities as well. These could be confidential. At times we don't feel like talking to anyone , but we could definitely share a write up about how we are feeling and share with the AI Assistant or chatbot or an AI Friend who could advise us how to handle the situation. The data remains saved and will provide support while sharing advice in some other situation.

Schools would need to create their own AI assistants or chatbots or AI friends based on real and authentic data. The chatbots or AI assistants would need to be trained with ample data to come to the right conclusions or outcomes.

Schools could also keep ample devices that use AI and let the learners explore these devices. These can be programmable toys, programmable robots, vacumm cleaners or any other such devices that use AI technology.There should be robots in schools that teaches learners to play games like chess. It enhances critical thinking and problem solving skills. Schools could also have an AI library where teachers have access to digital AI lesson plans on any subject, including apps, websites that use AI technology. These AI digital libraries could be accessed through the school LMS.

Thinking out loud, schools could also have an AI PD system, where teachers are directed towards their learning pathway based on their prior knowledge, understanding of the topic. And every teacher in school could be at a different level of PD which is absolutely fine. This too would need to be developed by the system. Sounds like a great idea.

Happy Reading.

Regards and prayers

Sheeba Ajmal