Artificial Intelligence is at the forefront of digital and technological advancements. With this in mind, many affluent sectors are taking advantage of the uses of AI within their businesses and organizational frameworks. Thus, over the last few years, we have seen a rapid transformation in the way businesses operate by using Artificial Intelligence to their advantage.
The education sector has seen an extensive opportunity to use AI within their establishments. In particular, the use of AI in higher education has increased considerably since its emergence. More and more higher education facilities are implementing strategies for AI to offer a more personalized way for students to learn.
Although the concept of AI revolutionizing the way we learn is a major step for the education sector, to what extent can AI and the data it collects personalize the learning processes in higher education?
At School for Modern Skills, we pride ourselves on a revolutionary way to learn. Our mission and values of technology, innovation, and creativity are at the heart of all that we do. AI has become a huge part of our ethos and we champion the use of AI-led learning at SMS. We have plans to partner with local universities to learn more about the benefits and opportunities of AI. Visit our website today for further information.
What is Personalized Learning?
Personalized learning refers to a tailored learning experience for each student; one that is sculpted particularly to their personal needs and requirements. We should bear in mind that no two students will learn effectively in the same way. Whilst a teacher could attempt to teach every student in the same way, this would not benefit everybody in the same way- putting many students at a disadvantage.
The idea of personalized learning accommodates each student with the opportunity to learn in a fair way, with everybody receiving the same opportunity for academic success. There are many factors to consider in order to facilitate a personalized learning model. These factors include:
- Student learning style, e.g visual, verbal
- Student learning speed
- Student ability
- Learning goals
- Learning impairments/disabilities
By implementing a personalized learning framework, each student can learn comfortably in a way that suits them without increased confidence and decreased fear of academic failure. As a result, there is a window of opportunity for learning to become more enjoyable for everybody.
The Use of Data
In this day and age, we have become more conscious of how we use and share our data online. This is due to the fact that scams and data breaches are more prevalent than ever. For a tech-savvy student, data protection is of paramount importance. This could pose as a limitation to the successful implementation of a personalized learning plan based on AI due to the type of data that would need to be collected.
However, there are ways to collect this type of data in a legal and ethical manner, meaning students enrolled in higher education could benefit from sharing their data with full control over it and the uses of a personalized learning schedule facilitated by Artificial Intelligence.
The data inputted into AI software to gain an understanding of each student’s needs will require their consent, so it would be essential to ensure that a clear plan is implemented with clear guidelines and policies of GDPR to offer peace of mind.
The types of data that will need to be submitted are:
- Student performance
- Student grades
- Student goals
- Student learning style
How Can AI Be Used to Personalize Learning in Higher Education?
There are many ways that AI can be used in higher education to personalised the learning of students. In fact, the possibilities for the use of AI in educational settings are highly beneficial to both students and teaching staff.
AI Algorithms for Personalized Recommendations
The data obtained by AI is used against algorithms to analyze the needs of each individual student, creating a unique way of learning. Once AI essentially ‘gets to know’ each student and their needs, it has the ability to suggest tailored learning materials and recommend resources relevant to the student and their competency level- in turn, making the learning experience more comfortable and less daunting.
Adaptive Learning
Like with any form of software, the more you use it, the more you become competent. With AI, the more a student uses it, the more it learns about the student and their progress, along with their strengths and weaknesses. By knowing these forms of data, AI software can adjust itself to create a specific learning pathway for students based on their pace, ability, and learning style.
Virtual Tutoring Systems
Artificial intelligence has the ability to act as a virtual tutor or mentor to students in higher education. Tutoring systems powered by AI may be able to offer students with personalized feedback and identify areas that require further attention or improvement. By informing students of their progress, it allows students to approach their tutors outside of AI to discuss ways to learn more effectively and achieve better grades overall. Therefore, personalized feedback from AI-led software can not only help students, but teaching staff too.
A Versatile Learning Experience
Learning in a versatile way creates a more engaging and interactive experience for students, which can then make learning more enjoyable. AI software can facilitate a versatile learning pathway using a range of various media, from text, visual aids, interactive games, and quizzes, as well as rich media such as videos. This means that students can benefit from a varied way to learn, decreasing the prospect of boredom.
Virtual Chatbots and Assistants
Virtual chatbots and assistants are a revolutionary aid for students who require assistance outside of learning hours. For example, a student may be stuck on a question during an assignment but the teacher is not directly at hand to offer assistance. In this instance, the student can refer to an AI-powered chatbot for some guidance in the interim.
By using these forms of assistance, students can benefit from an efficient and streamlined learning process without the prospect of being hindered by a lack of knowledge or guidance, therefore, benefitting from maximum workflow and opportunities for academic success.
How AI and Data Could Personalize Higher Education: In Summary
The revolutionary power of AI in education has the ability to transform the way students learn in higher education and in schools. Whilst students can benefit from an efficient and personalized learning experience, it is important to be aware of the ethical practice surrounding data and its processing methods. Nonetheless, this should not deter educational facilities from the use of artificial intelligence as the benefits appear to outweigh the risk of data breaches.
In order to monitor data breaches and ensure they avoid improper practices surrounding GDPR, high educational facilities should be keen to implement stringent data policies throughout the organization.
School for Modern Skills
Providing children with the opportunity to learn in a creative and innovative environment led by technology can benefit them greatly and support the prospect of academic success. At the School for Modern Skills in Dubai, our pupils reap the rewards of a highly creative learning environment. With a strong of successful alumni, SMS prides itself on a series of recognizable accolades, including:
- A full sustainability program
- Two awards for innovation from EduTeach for our use of technology in learning
- An onsite I-Hub that allows students to discover and learn about arts, maths, and science
- We have participated in the Matatalap Robot Competition
- We have scope to further develop our robot program
- A range of extra-curricular sports facilities
- Medical care
To learn more about our school and to discover our enrolment process at SMS, visit our website today. We look forward to hearing from you.
