Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way universities and colleges operate. Although AI has been around for a long time, it wasn’t until 2022 that tools like ChatGPT gained popularity in education. The purpose of this article is to acquaint you with AI and its applications in higher education.
Right now, there’s a ton of material available about AI and education, which might be confusing. So, for the ease, we’ve compiled a list of ideas and recommendations to help you consider how artificial intelligence can be used in teaching and learning.
What Is Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is when computers do things that normally need human thinking. They use algorithms to find patterns in lots of data, which is called machine learning. This helps computers learn and adapt, almost like having a personal tutor for each student. Colleges and universities are using AI to help with teaching and learning.
ChatGPT is an example of a type of AI called generative AI (Gen-AI). Based on patterns it discovers from a vast amount of text, it generates complex yet comprehensible responses. Gen-AIs, such as ChatGPT, may generate images, numbers, and references using similar prediction techniques. Some people claim ChatGPT provides “human-like responses,” although it does not think like a human. It does not simply copy and paste stuff. Instead, it looks for language patterns to predict what an appropriate response might be to a question.
What can teachers do right now?
To start, the best thing you can do is learn about the opportunities and challenges that come with AI becoming more common.
1. Educate yourself. Learn about tools like ChatGPT to understand what they can and can’t do. Read about how AI is expected to change teaching and learning.
2. Think about your teaching goals. What do you want your students to learn? How will you know if they’ve learned it? Are you okay with students using AI in their work?
After these first steps, we suggest four options:
- Can stick to current teaching methods without incorporating AI technologies.
- And also prohibit students from using AI tools in their coursework.
- But can also explore how AI complement traditional teaching methods and enhance student learning.
- Or fully integrate AI into their teaching practices to create more engaging and personalized learning experiences for students.
Each approach has its implications and considerations, so instructors should carefully weigh their options based on their teaching goals and comfort level with AI technology. Whatever you decide, remember that your students probably know about this technology and might be interested in using it. There’s a gap in knowledge that will be filled one way or another.
How can students and faculty be using AI?
Students and teachers use AI to make learning personalized, grading faster, and school tasks easier. AI helps teachers understand how students learn best, grades tests quickly, and can even act as a helpful assistant.
Conclusion
Using AI in teaching and learning can help make education better. It can improve how well students learn, make lessons more personalized, and make school work easier for teachers. But, it’s important to think carefully about how to use AI, considering things like ethics, privacy, and making sure teachers know how to use it. With careful planning, AI can have a positive impact on education.
