Machine Learning, AI, and the Future of Education | Marc Natanagara | TEDxBrookdaleCommunityCollege
Nonprofits & Activism
Introduction
In recent years, significant milestones in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed how we think about technology and its integration into our lives. Many of us can recall pivotal moments such as IBM's Deep Blue's victory against chess Grandmaster Gary Kasparov in 1996, Google's search engine launch in 1998, and more recently, in 2023, when ChatGPT passed the bar exam in the top 10%. These events signify the rise of AI and its ability to learn from experience, dramatically disrupting various industries, including education.
Educators, students, and parents now face fundamental questions about learning itself, especially when software can provide immediate answers to queries. In light of this crisis, as Winston Churchill said, it is essential never to let a good crisis go to waste — thus presenting an opportunity to reimagine the future of education.
However, the education sector often responds to change with a "flight or fight" mentality. For example, in the face of new disruptions like students using cell phones in class, some educators may abandon innovative teaching approaches, while others attempt to combat AI with detection software or tighter monitoring measures. Unfortunately, these responses often contradict the core mission of education: fostering trust, responsibility, independence, and a passion for learning.
AI technology is everywhere; it enhances accessibility and productivity in our lives. In 2022, AI generated 2 million images daily, with 145 million Americans regularly using some form of voice assistant. The global AI market is projected to grow significantly, indicating that this technology is here to stay. However, ethical issues such as privacy, intellectual property rights, bias, and the regulation of AI technologies loom large. Moreover, concerns surrounding academic integrity and the potential for students to bypass essential learning processes are increasingly significant.
The traditional definitions of learning, which focus on the accumulation and recall of knowledge, do not encompass the diversity of student experiences or reflect the multifaceted nature of human intelligence. Interestingly, machine learning often mirrors human cognitive processes but fails to account for emotional and situational nuances inherent in human learning.
To adapt to this evolving landscape, educators must embrace AI as a co-teacher rather than a threat. This involves using AI to brainstorm lesson ideas, evaluate assignments, and provide 24/7 support for students. Importantly, to truly innovate in the classroom, we must redefine what we consider intelligence by emphasizing five essential characteristics of effective learning:
- Live Hands-On Experiences: Encourage active learning through exploration, collaboration, and reflection.
- Encourage Meaningful Questions: Prompt students to identify their beliefs and see learning as relevant to their lives and communities.
- Make Real-World Connections: Help students integrate knowledge and understand the context of what they're learning.
- Foster Emotional Intelligence: Engage students in discussions about feelings and empathy, areas where AI falls short.
- Encourage Novel Applications: Help students apply their learning creatively to novel situations and problems.
By emphasizing these characteristics, we can future-proof our classrooms and better engage students. While computers excel in data processing and response generation, they cannot replicate essential human qualities like creativity, compassion, and critical thinking.
In conclusion, as educators, we can work collaboratively with AI to enhance educational experiences while valuing and nurturing the unique strengths of human intelligence. In doing so, we can confidently guide our students to discover their path to learning — wherever and whenever that might be.
Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Education
- Machine Learning
- Active Learning
- Emotional Intelligence
- Academic Integrity
- Human Intelligence
- Future of Education
FAQ
Q: What is the main concern regarding AI in education?
A: The primary concern is how AI may challenge traditional definitions of learning and academic integrity, potentially leading students to bypass essential learning processes.
Q: How can educators adapt to the presence of AI?
A: Educators can adapt by using AI as a co-teacher, integrating it into lesson plans while focusing on developing students' critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and real-world connections.
Q: What are the five essential characteristics of effective learning proposed by Marc Natanagara?
A: The five characteristics are hands-on experiences, meaningful questions, real-world connections, emotional intelligence, and novel applications of knowledge.
Q: Why is emotional intelligence important in education?
A: Emotional intelligence is crucial because it fosters empathy, awareness, and personal connections, elements that AI cannot replicate.
Q: How can redefining intelligence help in education?
A: Redefining intelligence can help focus on the unique capabilities of human learners, such as creativity and critical thinking, rather than merely knowledge accumulation.