Pros and Cons of AI in Education

Maximizing AI’s benefits in education and addressing its drawbacks

In recent years, there was talk of a change that would redefine learning and teaching. Now, after this year’s much-talked-about letter , it is time to take stock and ask: what has changed? Has the revolution already happened or are we merely experiencing a silent evolution?

In this article, we will try to understand how the real advantages and disadvantages of technology affect the educational process. Aristek experts will also share helpful field-tested recommendations that will help you get the best out of AI.

Where is AI applied in education?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a thing of the future. It is made possible by large amounts of data and their evaluation at various levels. AI works based on information that humans have fed into it themselves. In this way, it ultimately projects the current level of knowledge of a society.

Numbers speak for themselves. Valued at USD 1.82 billion in 2021, AI in education market is expected to reach USD 4.58 billion by the end of 2024, based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.0%. Not surprisingly, with the help of AI, correlations can be identified, analyses can be carried out and everyday processes can be automated by evaluating data.

Experts describe the benefits of AI for three levels within everyday school life.

Some of the most popular applications of AI in teaching include:

1. Automatic rating systems. AI systems can automatically grade essays, tests, or homework and provide feedback. This enables faster feedback and more personalized learning support.
2. Personalized learning approach. AI tools can track student progress and provide tailored content and activities, allowing students to learn at their own pace and work on their weaknesses.
3. Image recognition and speech processing. AI can use image recognition technologies and natural language processing to help students learn. For example, virtual assistants can answer questions, provide learning materials, or help practice language skills.
4. Adaptive learning programs. AI-driven learning programs can adapt to students’ individual needs and provide them with tailored learning materials and exercises. This promotes an individualized learning environment and optimizes the learning process.Adaptive learning involves many aspects, such as policy-making, curriculum formulation, teacher training, and more. AI saves a lot of resources in each of these – read our special feature on how it works.

To learn more about AI in education, dive into our complete guide : all about tools, operating principles, and more.

Benefits of AI in education

1. Personalized learning

One of the most important advantages of AI is the possibility of personalized learning. With AI tools designed specifically for this purpose, each student can have a customized learning experience that suits their pace and style.

2. Feedback on the spot

In addition to personalization, immediate feedback is another benefit of AI. Why is it that worth attention?

According to the study presented at the International Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society Conference, when students receive little or no feedback, they risk reinforcing misconceptions by repeating the same mistakes without correction. AI tools equipped with machine learning capabilities can instantly assess students’ work and provide immediate constructive feedback. This not only saves teachers valuable time but also allows students to quickly learn from their mistakes.

3. Better accessibility

We’ve discussed the importance of WCAG compliance and its levels – check it out for insights on ensuring web accessibility and how implementing AI technologies helps schools meet all needed requirements.

Disadvantages of AI in education

Despite all the benefits that artificial intelligence can offer the education system, it is a new technology that should be approached with a certain degree of caution. Eventually, AI does not always provide reliable results. Mistakes and misinformation, especially on technical topics, are common, making it essential to carefully review all AI-generated responses.

Let’s look at the other side of the coin and review the most discussed disadvantages.

• Cost of using AI in schools. A major disadvantage of AI in education is the cost factor. Implementing AI-based learning platforms and tools often requires a significant investment, which can be a hurdle for many schools. This can result in schools with limited budgets and resources being excluded from these technologies.
• Potential dependence on technology. If students rely too heavily on AI-based learning methods, they might neglect their skills. For example, they may struggle to learn basic skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic if they rely too heavily on technology. Students must learn both digital and analog skills to thrive in today’s society.
• Privacy issues. AI often requires the collection and storage of student data, so it is important to ensure that this data is stored and protected securely to ensure student privacy.

Between vision and control: why an AI strategy is needed

In the field of education, technology should always be introduced to create a clear and measurable quality gain for the education and training of students. To integrate AI into the education system in a future-proof manner, an AI strategy is therefore required that is aligned with the educational goals.

Aristek experts shared the following recommendations for implementing AI tools in education:

1. Establish and adhere to a comprehensive AI strategy. Align AI integration with educational goals to enhance teaching and learning quality, addressing targeted challenges.
2. Implement strategic training for teachers to effectively and independently use AI, ensuring pedagogical value in their teaching practices.
3. Equip students with AI skills through interdisciplinary learning, preparing them for the modern workforce.
4. Consider data security, testing formats, and age restrictions in a strategic framework for safe and fair AI use.
5. Define AI’s role in education with clear, regulated boundaries for ethical and safe implementation, following models like the EU AI Regulation.

Current challenges – such as the shortage of teachers or a comparatively low user trust level – can be mitigated by the transparent and responsible use of AI. However, the aim of such an AI strategy should always be to improve learning and teaching.

This requires a central, cross-border control level that defines processes and responsibilities precisely. At present, a considerable amount of responsibility rests on individual schools, which is too great a challenge given the complexity and novelty of the topic.

How AI-driven quiz generator made creating tests much easier? The Aristek team integrated an AI tool into their existing LMS to create and manage tests across different subjects. The solution saved up to 90% of content creation time and received positive feedback from users. See the case

The way forward

AI systems need data. Safe and transparent handling of this data is essential. Transparency means that everyone involved knows what data is being collected, for what purpose it is being used, and who has access to it.

In addition to a basic digital infrastructure that makes the use of AI possible in the first place, AI tools for teaching must also be adapted to the educational context and be GDPR or WCAG-compliant.

Teachers should discuss the use of AI in detail with children. They should show how AI can be used as a helping hand without crossing the line into feigning performance. Just as with formula collections, calculators, and the periodic table, they can also decide whether AI tools are allowed for students to use during the class test.

In addition to all the features of AI in education mentioned above, school administrators and teachers should take note of the following:

• Critically examine the topic of AI in schools, weighing up the pros and cons.
• Organize appropriate change management and training for teachers.
• Talk transparently with students about artificial intelligence and, if necessary, establish individual guidelines for dealing with AI.
• When working with parents, also address the use of AI in schools and provide appropriate advice if questions arise.
• Regularly check the results and functionality of the AI.

In a nutshell

Incorporating modern artificial intelligence technologies into the curriculum is necessary, but it’s also important to recognize the limitations of these technologies, which cannot convey emotion or humanity in their results. Additionally, ethical issues related to privacy and accuracy need to be addressed.

Aristek experts have observed in practice that, without proper training, AI can rely on outdated information. On the other hand, with the right implementation by an experienced tech provider, the use of AI can be transparent, protect intellectual property rights, and advance science and knowledge.

Finding the middle ground is simple – contact us to find out how AI can make your administrative and learning tasks easier.