How are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) changing EdTech?

Before COVID-19, education technology was a dormant sector in the startup world yet, now fully awake! Almost every industry depends on technology to survive and advance, which is why there is rising interest in and funding for initiatives that support businesses in developing decisions and products more quickly and intelligently. In terms of the educational landscape, the entire sector has recently seen a tremendous shift. In many worldwide industrial sectors, next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have demonstrated their actual potential. Furthermore, Market Research Engine estimates that the global market for AI in education would expand at a compound yearly growth rate of 45% to $5.80 billion by 2025 (https://www.marketresearchengine.com/artificial-intelligence-in-education-market?mod=article_inline ). As a result, when it comes to startup funding, investors interested in the EdTech industry are now considering businesses that incorporate AI & ML.

With advancing emerging technology and a wealth of global information at one’s fingertips, education is no longer limited to acquiring academic knowledge but upskilling oneself to navigate the ways of the ever-evolving world. EdTech startups like BYJU’s, Udemy, Unacademy, and many more have revolutionized the educational paradigm, shifting classroom learning to a more fun-filled and experiential virtual setting, based on the learner’s interest and style.?

The sophisticated features and advantages that AI & ML technology offers, draw investments and foster its adoption across companies. Today's classrooms are getting bigger and bigger, which limits the amount of interaction between students and teachers. This is where AI & ML plays a significant role by assessing a vast amount of data points on student performance. By fostering stronger connections between businesses and educational institutions, AI technology is revolutionizing conventional educational procedures. According to a study, 63.4% of respondents thought that AI can alter how schools do research, impart knowledge, and assist pupils whereas 31.7% believe that AI may alter how colleges do research, impart knowledge, and assist pupils (https://www.analyticsinsight.net/ai-models-in-edtech-improving-performance-and-learning-experience/).?

Microsoft recently paid IDC for a report that demonstrated how eager and engaged US educators are to use AI technologies. Nearly all educators are attempting to work with AI; 92% reported that they had begun to experiment with the technology. The results showed that educators almost universally accept that AI & ML is important for their future; 99.4 % said that AI would be instrumental to their institution's competitiveness within the next three years, with 15% calling it a "game-changer."

So, how exactly are AI & ML changing the EdTech sector??

From streamlined educational operations to improved learning experiences AI & ML have brought about tremendous changes in the educational landscape that EdTech firms must know!

AI & MI to assist in Language learning?

Language Learning EdTech startups are a rapidly growing market. Learning a new language has become a lot simpler due to the developments in AI, ML, and speech recognition. This technology can be used to track patterns in information retention, identify frequent errors made by users who share the same mother tongue, and gather information on how students learn a language.?

Based on studies, AI assists in identifying oral communication used by stressed-out individuals. The researchers discovered that utilizing AI, the platform allows them to uncover the language coping mechanisms that people create when they are under stress as a result of physiological and psychological reasons. The use of AI in psycholinguistics is crucial because it can examine how people utilize natural language (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342050108_Artificial_Intelligence_AI_A_Review_of_its_Uses_in_Language_Teaching_and_Learning). ELSA, which provides speech recognition and pronunciation analysis and can pinpoint specific areas for development based on the speaker’s native language, is a famous example of a startup that aids language learning.?

“Our idea is to enable users to pronounce and speak in a clear manner so that other people understand and accept you unconditionally.”

• Manit Parikh, Country Manager, India, ELSA –?

AI & ML to aid in adaptive learning software?

Education programs can now be customized to meet the unique needs of each student thanks to adaptive learning technologies. It aids in creating classes and individualized educational materials. To create training programs that are specifically suited to each student, AI & ML can collect data on their learning preferences, skills, knowledge, and experience. Research suggests that prompt feedback, flexibility in managing students' learning experiences, and quicker student growth are all advantages that AI-enabled learning systems can provide (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666920X21000114#bbib45). Thus, numerous startups have started to invest in such sectors and Century Tech is one such adaptive learning software startup.?

AI & MI to promote education for children with special needs?

AI and special needs education work together to support the growth of people with disabilities. Studies suggest that students with disabilities in the areas of learning, hearing, vision, and mobility may benefit from the application of AI in the classroom. Furthermore, to handle children with dyslexia, a variety of computer-based educational aids have been created; among these resources is "Phonological Awareness Educational Software" (PHAES), which helps the reader with phonological awareness. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249656322_Artificial_intelligence_in_special_education_A_decade_review). Additionally, ML and robotic help is being used to manage children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) so that they can learn social skills (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342923570_Impact_of_Artificial_Intelligence_in_Special_Need_Education_to_Promote_Inclusive_Pedagogy).?

While the rich markets will be the source of revenue for the startups in this industry, they will also be essential in the worldwide democratization of education. Any internet-connected device anywhere in the world can receive AI & ML-powered solutions, making effective, data-driven teaching techniques available to everyone. A classic example would be Riiid, which is focused on building back-end platforms for businesses and nations in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas to change education.?

“Traditional education institutions weren’t that much interested in AI just a few years ago, but now they all want to integrate AI.”?

• YJ Jang, Riiid’s founder, and CEO –?

In conclusion, future learning requirements will be even more varied, and education will advance quickly. When it comes to spotting patterns before they take hold and quickly responding to them, AI & ML can be quite helpful. Hence, startups that aim at entering the market and revolutionizing education require the integration of AI & ML.