AI In Education #5

Welcome back to "AI in Education," your dedicated newsletter exploring the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and learning. As we embark on another insightful edition, we're thrilled to bring you a collection of thought-provoking articles and resources that delve into the latest advancements and discussions in the realm of AI in educational settings. From innovative teaching methods to groundbreaking technologies, this issue is designed to enlighten, inspire, and challenge your perceptions of AI's role in shaping the future of education. Get ready to explore a diverse range of topics that highlight both the potential and the challenges of integrating AI into our classrooms and curricula.

Ready, set, go!

Augment teaching with AI - This teacher has it sussed…

Discover the future of education in this insightful article about teacher Meredith Joy Morris, who has brilliantly integrated ChatGPT into her teaching. This innovative approach extends teaching, providing students with a unique, personalized learning experience. The AI aids in continuing the learning process where the teacher leaves off, fostering independence and deeper engagement.

The implementation process consists of four stages: captivating students with AI's capabilities, guiding them to refine their understanding, concentrating on core subjects, and promoting self-testing for effective learning retention. This method not only fascinates students but also enhances their grasp and memory of the subject matter.

A key challenge is the accessibility of technology in classrooms, but solutions like using smartphones or extending learning outside the classroom are proposed.

This pioneering method not only lightens the teachers' load but also encourages student autonomy and in-depth learning, marking a significant advancement in modern educational practices. Explore this transformative approach in education by reading the full article, and learn how AI can revolutionize your teaching and learning experiences.

Deep dive with the AI Assessment Scale: Level 1 and Level 2

In the context of the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) in education, the first two levels offer a foundational perspective on the integration of AI in educational assessments.

• Level 1, "No AI": This level emphasizes traditional approaches to learning and assessment, where students are expected to complete tasks without the aid of any Generative AI tools. The focus here is on developing and evaluating skills such as memory recall, practical abilities, critical thinking, and physical activities, all in the absence of digital assistance. This approach ensures the integrity of the assessment and the authenticity of student work, particularly in contexts where direct demonstration of knowledge and skills is paramount.
• Level 2, "Ideas and Structure": Here, the role of Generative AI is to assist in the brainstorming and organizational aspects of student work. While AI contributes to the initial stages of task preparation, the final output remains a product of the student's own efforts. This level allows for a controlled, yet creative integration of AI in the learning process, helping students to expand and structure their ideas more effectively.

Beyond these initial stages, the AIAS likely includes more advanced levels, where the integration of AI becomes increasingly sophisticated and integral to the learning and assessment processes. These higher levels might involve deeper collaboration between AI and students, where AI could play a more active role in creating, analyzing, and even enhancing student work, always under careful guidance and consideration of ethical and educational standards.

Understanding all levels of the AIAS is essential for educators and institutions aiming to effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their curricula. Each level represents a different degree of AI involvement, offering a structured approach to gradually incorporating technological advancements into educational practices. The key across all levels is balancing the benefits of AI tools with the need to maintain academic integrity, equity, and the development of core human skills.

To delve deeper into the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) and explore all of its levels, providing a comprehensive understanding of how AI can be integrated into educational assessments, read the detailed report below.

Use of artificial intelligence in education delivery and assessment

Continuing with the theme of assessment in the context of AI, here's an intriguing report from Great Britain.

This insightful research briefing, published by authors Juri Felix and Laura Webb, delves into the application of artificial intelligence technologies in educational settings, encompassing schools, colleges, and universities.

The report acknowledges the rapid development of AI technologies, particularly generative AI, capable of producing realistic content like text, images, audio, and video. It highlights the potential of AI tools to offer varied learning methods and support educators in tasks such as lesson planning and marking.

However, the adoption of AI in education is still in its infancy, and there remains uncertainty about its benefits and limitations. Concerns are raised over the potential erosion of educator-learner relationships and the negative impact on learners' writing and critical thinking skills due to reliance on AI.

In November 2023, the Department for Education (DfE) in the UK published a report on Generative AI's use in education. Additionally, the UK Government announced an investment of up to ￡2 million for new AI-powered resources for teachers in England.

Key points from the report include the potential of AI to transform learning and reduce staff workloads, but also highlight challenges like bias, safety, inappropriate content for younger audiences, and the risk of undermining traditional assessment methods. The DfE's report, based on early adopters’ experiences, presents a mix of positive views and significant concerns.

The successful implementation of AI in education, according to stakeholders, depends on several factors: clear evidence of AI's effectiveness in educational outcomes, proper training and guidance for educators, and clarity in legal frameworks governing AI's data usage. Additionally, addressing digital divides is crucial to ensure equitable access to AI tools and prevent exacerbation of inequalities.

For a more detailed understanding of the role and impact of AI in education delivery and assessment, access the full report below:

Hologram lecturers thrill students at trailblazing UK university

Loughborough University in the UK is pioneering the use of hologram lecturers, an innovative approach that employs AI-powered avatars for educational purposes. This technology, first of its kind in Europe, is similar to that used in reviving performances of legendary artists, and it's expected to be formally integrated into the curriculum by 2025.

Students at the university have enthusiastically received this technology, finding 3D holographic images more engaging than traditional video calls. Developed by LA-based Proto, the technology enables the projection of figures like Albert Einstein and Coco Chanel, offering interactive and immersive learning experiences.

The use of holograms aligns with the university's sustainability goals by reducing travel needs for guest speakers and enhancing international collaboration. It also aids in the effective demonstration of complex objects, offering a more dynamic learning environment.

Proto's founder, David Nussbaum , highlights the potential of this technology to bring back historical figures, creating lifelike avatars that can interact based on their recorded works. This innovation is not just awe-inspiring but marks a significant shift in educational practices, blending traditional learning with advanced technology to enrich the student experience.

How to Conduct a Gap Analysis for Implementing AI in?Schools?

Conducting a gap analysis for implementing AI in schools involves a structured approach where you first assess the school's current teaching methods, technology infrastructure, resources, and policies. This includes gathering data and feedback from teachers, administrators, and students. Then, you define the school's future goals with AI, such as enhancing student engagement or automating tasks. The next step is to identify where the school currently stands in comparison to these goals, pinpointing areas like technology needs, teacher training, or data privacy issues. Finally, you explore solutions to bridge these gaps, possibly involving partnerships, budget reallocation, or staff development programs. This comprehensive process ensures a smooth transition to AI integration in education, addressing challenges and maximizing benefits for the school community. Regular updates and adaptations to the plan are vital to keep pace with the dynamic field of AI.

To gain a deeper understanding of the comprehensive process involved in implementing AI in schools and how to effectively navigate this transition, explore more details in the link provided below.

AI Literacy Cards

I would like to share an excellent resource that can be invaluable for anyone leading the implementation of AI in the school environment. The AI Literacy Cards, created by HumanBrains.Education , offer 21 cards each highlighting a specific and important issue regarding artificial intelligence. These cards are designed to stimulate discussion and critical thinking about AI, which is crucial for understanding and implementing this technology responsibly in educational contexts.

Using these cards in professional development sessions, lesson planning, and classroom discussions promotes deeper engagement and reflection on how AI affects and can be integrated into learning. They can also serve as a starting point for panel discussions and as a basis for writing assignments, where students and teachers explore different aspects of AI, from ethics to security and its potential to change the future of education.

To download these cards and start using them in your school or classroom, visit their website. This resource pack is completely free. All you need to do is fill in your name and email address to access the AI Literacy Cards. This is a practical and thought-provoking tool that actively promotes learning and collaboration, while inviting innovation in the critical area of AI in education.

Exploring AI in Education: Key Resources from Stanford and Oxford

For educators and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of AI in education, two outstanding resources stand out. Stanford's CRAFT (Center for Research on Foundation Models in AI and Technology) offers a treasure trove of materials on its Dash platform, encompassing research, tools, and a wide array of educational content focused on AI and technology. This comprehensive collection is an invaluable asset for educators, researchers, and students.

Complementing this, the University of Oxford presents an engaging online feature titled "AI: What is it?" which provides an accessible, visually rich exploration of artificial intelligence. Covering its basics, applications, and broader implications, this resource serves as an excellent primer for classroom discussions or personal education on AI. Together, these resources form a robust foundation for anyone looking to integrate AI knowledge into educational practices or simply seeking to expand their understanding of this rapidly evolving field.

Thank you for joining us in this edition of "AI in Education." We hope the insights and resources shared have sparked new ideas and perspectives on the ever-evolving role of AI in our educational landscapes. Your engagement and curiosity are what drive this newsletter forward. If you found value in our content, please consider sharing it with your colleagues and peers who are equally passionate about the intersection of technology and education. Don't forget to subscribe for more updates and to stay connected with the latest trends and discussions in AI in education. Until next time, keep exploring and pushing the boundaries of learning with AI!

YOU ROCK!

/Danny Stacey

https://www.eduai.se/

P.S. I have used AI tools to enhance the language and grammar. The images were created using Midjourney.