The Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Education and Career Paths

In the recent national budget, the Singapore government announced it will invest more than S$1 billion (more than US$743 million) into Artificial Intelligence (AI) over the next five years.

This ambitious plan aims to boost AI capabilities in different sectors like healthcare, education and transportation technology.

AI is creating an impact on many industries and education is no exception.

A Global Market Insights study revealed that AI in education reached US$4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow over 10% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2032.

That’s not all, the same study revealed that the growing demand for personalised learning resulted in a strong dependency on AI-powered tools in education.

In this article, we explore how AI influences learning outcomes and what could be the future of AI-powered education.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

So, what exactly is Artificial Intelligence?

In simple terms, AI is the science of making machines think like humans.  It achieves this by analysing large amounts of data using complex algorithms and mathematical models.

What makes AI versatile is its ability to learn and improve its performance constantly. From Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars, AI has become a part of our lives.

But why are we so excited about this emerging technology?

Any technology or machine built with AI can perform tasks that normally require human processes such as analysing massive data, recognising patterns and even suggesting solutions all in a flash.

IBM’s Watson and Google Cloud’s AI Platform are prime examples of this technology.

AI can even help us with decisions. Wondering if it’ll rain tomorrow? AI can predict the weather. Want to plan a dream vacation? AI can plan your whole itinerary.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Can AI transform the way we learn and teach?

Yes, it is changing the face of education just like it is changing everything as we know it.

Imagine a classroom where learning is personalised, feedback is quick and educators have more time to focus on what matters most- their students!

Listed below are ways AI can be used in education:

1.  Personalised Learning

AI can help identify a student's strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns. This can help tailor personalised learning experiences for them.

2.  Improves Assessments

AI can automate grading tasks and can help provide real-time feedback, saving valuable time.

3.  Promotes Data-Driven Decision Making

AI can assist educators in identifying patterns and trends to improve the learning outcomes for all.

4.  Helps Content Creation

AI can help in generating content for study materials, drafting lesson plans, developing interactive quizzes and so much more.

5.  Assist Students with Special Needs

AI’s ability for text-to-speech, and speech-to-text conversions can bridge learning gaps and make education more accessible for students with special needs and learning differences.

6.  Helps in Educational Policy Making

AI can analyse educational data to get insights into learning trends. This helps institutions and policymakers formulate better education policies in the future.

7.  Career Guidance

AI can act as a career counsellor for a student. It can offer personalised career advice based on their skills and interests.

Advantages of AI in the Education System

AI in education is creating a more engaging and effective learning experience.

Here are some advantages of AI in education:

●    Provides Opportunities for Collaborative Learning

AI can create virtual learning environments where students from across the globe can work together on projects. This gives them opportunities for teamwork and cultural understanding.

For instance, platforms like Google Classrooms, Bramble can be used to connect students from peers with peers worldwide. These platforms enable collaborative projects, allowing students to work together, share diverse perspectives, and enable cross-cultural learning.

●    Encourages Skill-Based Learning

AI can personalise learning, focusing on developing the specific skills students need for success in the real world.

●    Effective Teaching Methods

AI can help educators with data-driven insights into student progress. This allows them to tailor their methods to teach effectively.

For example, the Ministry of Education in Singapore is testing an Adaptive Learning System in Mathematics to better understand each student’s performance and ability, allowing for a more personalised approach. (Source: GOVTech)

●    A Global Approach to Education

AI-powered translation tools can bridge language gaps, making quality education accessible to students around the world.

●    Enhance Efficiency in Administrative Tasks

AI can automate administrative tasks like grading and attendance. This allows teachers to focus on guiding and inspiring their students.

Challenges and Concerns of AI in education

While AI offers many advantages, many challenges also come with it:

●    Human Connection Matters

Over-reliance on AI can reduce the interaction between teachers and students. This can hinder students from gaining social skills that are essential for their development and careers.

●    Critical Thinking is Still Essential

AI shouldn’t replace critical thinking. Students and teachers should use it as a tool to analyse information and not as a primary way to make decisions.

●    The Challenge of Bias

AI algorithms learn from the data it is fed and ignores biases. We must ensure that AI promotes fairness and inclusivity in education.

●    Privacy Concerns

As AI collects data, privacy concerns arise. Safeguarding students’ information through clear guidelines and ethical practices is essential.

●    The Digital Divide

Not all students have immediate access to computers and the internet. This unequal access can create a learning gap among students slowing down their academic pursuits.

Future of AI in education and its potential impact

Here’s a look at what the future may have in store for AI in education:

●    Virtual Reality Learning

AI-powered immersive virtual reality can give students real-world experiences along with their learning. This means students can experience the Amazon rainforest or the Great Wall of China while learning about it.

●    Educational AI Chatbots

AI can assist students by providing a more effective and engaging learning experience. Chatbots can help students 24/7 in choosing their courses or assist them with any queries related to their subjects.

●    Intelligent Exam Supervision System

AI-powered invigilation systems can ensure fairness and security while offering students the flexibility to take tests from anywhere. These systems can also safeguard the integrity of online exams.

●    Encourages Inclusive Education

AI-powered translation tools will continue to evolve, enabling students around the world access to a wealth of educational content in their native languages. This accessibility helps in the inclusion of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

How is AI Going to Change the Education System?

AI is changing how we teach and learn. However, it is important to remember that AI is a tool, not a replacement.

As the 2023 United States Department of Education report rightly states, teachers remain the cornerstone of education.

According to the US Department of Education, AI should augment, not replace human interaction and thinking capabilities.

As the use of AI grows in education, students and teachers should be reassured that their data is safe, and that technology is being used for inclusive, effective and engaging learning.

Singapore was the first country in Southeast Asia to start a Nation AI plan in 2019. They developed guidelines to ensure AI is used in a human-centric and ethical way.

According to The Strait Times, many schools in Singapore plan to embed AI into the learning curriculum and teach students to use AI ethically and responsibly.

The Strait Times also reported that AI application is among the top 100 skills in demand in Singapore, with more than 30,000 job postings between September 2022 and June 2023.

So, if you’re looking for AI-based career opportunities, consider enrolling in a course at the London School of Business and Finance in Singapore (LSBF).

LSBF in Singapore offers you one of the most industry-oriented courses that can help you land an AI-related job in popular fields like finance, accounting, cybersecurity and business management.

Discover more about the wide range of courses offered by LSBF in Singapore.

The blog is written by Serin Thankam Sam and edited by Olly Cox

FAQs

1. What is the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education?

AI is changing the face of education by personalising learning, boosting teacher productivity and creating immersive learning experiences. However, challenges like bias and data privacy need careful attention.

2. What are some examples of AI applications in education?

• Personalised Learning,
• Smart Tutoring,
• Automated Grading,
• Virtual Reality Learning
• Chatbots

3. How does AI impact career paths?

AI is creating new career paths. Prompt Engineers, AI Trainers, AI Auditors, AI Ethics Experts and Machine Managers are some of the specialised jobs AI has created recently.

4. What skills are necessary to succeed in an AI-driven job market?

• Technical skills (strong knowledge of programming, coding, mathematics, statistics, data processing)
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Communication and collaboration
• Adaptability and lifelong learning