AI and Education: Redefining Learning for a Digital Tomorrow
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for many years, but recent advances in Machine Learning have firmly embedded it into everyday technology—voice assistants, navigation apps, and smartwatches. The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 has reignited public interest, positioning Generative AI as not just another technological improvement, but as a revolutionary shift, comparable to the introduction of the internet or personal computers.
Many of us remember life before the internet, and how quickly it transformed our world in the 1990s and 2000s. The rapid pace of technological evolution is startling. Consider transitioning from early mobile phones—big and bulky “bricks”—to today’s sleek smartphones. Constant refinement and reinvention have shaped the technology we rely on, often changing just as we adapt. The arrival of AI, and specifically Generative AI, signals a shift in kind, not just in degree. We may one day reflect on this moment as the birth of a new era.
Generative AI: Industry Impact and Public Fascination
While AI’s potential has long been harnessed in healthcare, transportation, and finance, the public’s interest has surged with tools like ChatGPT. Generative AI is now being used by millions worldwide for tasks such as drafting emails, summarising research, generating practice questions, and planning projects. However, AI’s current challenge is not its capability but our creativity in envisioning what it can truly accomplish.
In the 1990s, the idea of a global economy driven by digital currency seemed like science fiction, but today it is the norm. Similarly, our capacity to imagine the future of AI may still be limited by our current thinking.
AI in Education: Shaping the Future
Education is at the forefront of discussions about AI’s role, particularly due to fears it will ‘do the work for you.’ Educators are faced with the challenge of integrating AI in a way that enhances learning, not replaces it. Many schools are moving away from traditional textbooks and are looking for more up-to-date resources. This shift is essential to prepare students for an uncertain, dynamic future within a digital world, which calls for a level of computer literacy far beyond what we were taught at school.
AI is here to stay, and students need to learn how to use it effectively if they are to succeed in their future careers. However, the most critical skills students need to develop are those that teach them how to learn, rather than simply what to learn. These “Learn-to-Learn” skills are now more critical than ever.
At the same time, we must be cautious. The goal isn’t to showcase what AI can do but to use it to cultivate genuine human intelligence. Educators must find ways to incorporate AI that help students think critically and solve problems, ensuring it supports learning rather than stifles it.
Authenticity and the Role of AI
Since ChatGPT’s release, questions about authenticity have become central. Is work created by AI less valid than human-generated content? AI detection tools now exist to identify AI-generated text, but the distinction is not entirely fair. AI’s output depends on the quality of the input, or 'prompting'. Effective prompting, a skill now referred to as ‘prompt engineering,’ can significantly influence AI’s performance.
Just as with any source of information, students must be equipped to evaluate AI’s output critically, applying the exact skills they would to a website or a book. AI isn’t inherently more or less reliable than other information sources, but it requires the same level of scrutiny.
Balancing AI with Human Connection
As AI becomes more capable, maintaining real human interaction is essential. AI has the potential to perform many tasks on ‘autopilot’, but over-reliance risks disengagement from real-world connections. A future where AI writes emails and generates responses automatically may sound convenient, but it also highlights the need to stay grounded in real, human interaction.
Like social media, AI can become addictive. There’s a risk some might choose AI over human connection, and it’s essential we maintain a balance. People must still have the confidence and social skills necessary for meaningful, real-world interactions.
AI as a Tool for Good
AI can outperform humans in areas like organisation and structuring information. AI can serve as a personal editor for students who struggle with writing, helping them improve their skills. Tools like ChatGPT can guide students in writing and thinking critically, encouraging deeper exploration of topics.
However, the risk remains that students might misuse AI, copying responses instead of engaging with the learning process. Educators must guide students in using AI as a tool to aid their learning, not replace it.
Looking Ahead: Walled-Garden AI
The future of AI in education lies in its responsible use. Some educational institutions are experimenting with "Walled-Garden AI"—AI systems trained solely on vetted, reliable content. Tools like Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, an AI tutor, offer a safe way for students to interact with AI while ensuring the content is trustworthy.
However, students must still learn to verify information even in these controlled environments. AI can be a powerful tool, but critical thinking and fact-checking must remain integral to learning.
Conclusion: A Necessary Transformation
As AI technology advances, education must evolve to meet the needs of future generations. The changes brought about by AI offer incredible opportunities, but they also require caution and thoughtful integration. Like so much in life, technological development is a live experiment, and its full consequences may only be known in time to come. However, by using AI wisely, we can prepare students for a revolutionary future, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in a world driven by AI.
Written by Jennifer Heslop Spencer and Gerard Mullan, Specialist Teachers at EDU360 Integrated Education, a Johannesburg-based school and college for students with specific learning differences. Edu360 Integrated Education
