Education is a fundamental human right, yet more than 59 million children in developing countries lack access to basic education. This highlights the significant education gap that persists globally. Various factors contribute to this disparity. For example, many children live far from schools, making their commute more challenging and sometimes dangerous. They also face economic pressures as they are required to assist their families with chores or work, leaving little time for schooling. Discrimination against certain groups can prevent them from enrolling in schools. Many of these issues are outside students' control, such as the fact that in one-third of countries, less than 75% of teachers are trained to national standards and educational infrastructure is often poor. According to Global Affairs Canada, despite attending school for four years, 250 million children still cannot read, write, or count. This emphasizes the urgent need for innovative solutions to bridge the education gap.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize various industries, including education. By 2027, the e-learning market is projected to be worth over $460 billion, indicating significant growth and potential for AI-driven educational technologies. AI's capabilities extend beyond traditional applications, offering transformative possibilities in education. For example, it can improve the accuracy and speed of medical diagnoses, identify potential national security threats more quickly, and create sophisticated financial models.
In the context of education, AI has the potential to provide personalized learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, and offer real-time support to students and teachers.
There are many new AI applications beneficial to students and teachers, such as grading software. Teachers spend an estimated 20 hours per week grading assignments. However, AI-powered grading software can alleviate this burden by using machine learning to develop question-independent or question-specific models. This technology not only saves time but also ensures consistent and objective grading, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and student engagement. In addition, AI-driven voice assistants enable screen-free interactions, allowing students to ask questions and receive answers in real-time. This is particularly beneficial for children in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, as it provides an accessible and interactive way to improve language skills and comprehension.
Khanmigo software.
Several companies are leading the way in integrating AI into education. Most notably, Khan Academy created Khanmigo in March 2023. Khanmigo is an AI bot that guides students in various subjects, including math, science, humanities, debate, and writing. It assists teachers in lesson planning, enhancing the overall learning experience. In addition, Dreambox Learning uses predictive analysis to track students' understanding throughout the year, helping teachers identify and support students who need additional help with math comprehension. Carnegie Learning offers tailored math and science courses, and its software is utilized in over 1500 US school districts. The platform adapts to each student's learning style and pace, ensuring a personalized education experience.
Recent advancements in AI offer promising solutions to bridge the educational gap. By automating administrative tasks, providing personalized learning experiences, and offering real-time support, AI can significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of education. As AI continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform education.
Works Cited
“Artificial Intelligence's Use and Rapid Growth Highlight Its Possibilities and Perils.” GAO, 6 September 2023, https://www.gao.gov/blog/artificial-intelligences-use-and-rapid-growth-highlight-its-possibilities-and-perils. Accessed 30 July 2024.
“Khanmigo - AI Tools for Education - Research Guides at University of Cincinnati.” Research Guides, 27 May 2024, https://guides.libraries.uc.edu/ai-education/kh. Accessed 30 July 2024.
“NestAI is an educational non-profit focusing with AI.”
MIT Solve, https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/learning-for-civic-action-challenge/solutions/75932. Accessed 30 July 2024.
“The Rise Of AI-Enhanced Learning: Education For The Digital Age.” Forbes, 13 February 2024, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/02/13/the-rise-of-ai-enhanced-learning-education-for-the-digital-age/. Accessed 30 July 2024.
Sharma, Khushi. “Applying AI in Developing Countries to Improve Quality of Education.” students x students, 11 October 2022, https://studentsxstudents.com/making-children-intelligent-through-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-d6e254bc1fe9. Accessed 30 July 2024.
Uspenskyi, Serhii. “Top 7 AI Edtech Startups To Watch In 2024.” Springs, 22 July 2024, https://springsapps.com/knowledge/top-7-ai-edtech-startups-to-watch-in-2024. Accessed 30 July 2024.
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