As senior educators and investors in international schools, we find ourselves at the forefront of an exciting era where artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the landscape of education. However, it is essential that we approach AI in education with a clear vision—one that emphasises the vital role of humans in the learning process. While AI can undoubtedly support and enhance learning, it should never replace the irreplaceable influence of human teachers.
Humans and AI in Education – “Humans in the AI Loop”
Our first recommendation is to prioritise the concept of “humans in the AI loop” when integrating AI into education. This means recognising the critical importance of human involvement in identifying patterns, assigning meaning, and making major instructional decisions. While AI systems can analyse vast amounts of data and provide valuable insights, they lack the comprehensive contextual judgment that humans possess. Therefore, it is crucial for educators and decision-makers to retain responsibility for students’ well-being, educational success, and equitable learning opportunities.
To ensure the effective implementation of AI in education, we must incorporate human judgment and control. This is especially crucial when educational decisions have far-reaching consequences. While AI systems have their strengths, they should never become a substitute for the broad contextual understanding and empathy that human teachers bring to the learning process.
This topic is explored extensively in Human-centered artificial intelligence in education: Seeing the invisible through the visible
AI in Education Through Research Based Practice
In our pursuit of AI-enhanced edtech, it is imperative that we base our approach on research-based principles of learning. Students should be active participants in their own education, engaging in meaningful discussions, utilising visualisations and simulations, and receiving timely feedback to advance their understanding. Drawing upon research and proven practice we can develop a comprehensive understanding of learning principles and align technology to support these principles effectively. We need to understand and apply things like:
How learning actually changes the physical structure of the brain.
How existing knowledge affects what people notice and how they learn.
What the thought processes of experts tell us about how to teach.
There are five widely accepted learning theories teachers rely on:
- Behaviorism learning theory
- Cognitive learning theory
- Constructivism learning theory
- Humanism learning theory
- Connectivism learning theory
Educational theorists, teachers, and other experts know that these theories can inform successful approaches for teaching and serve as a foundation for developing lesson plans and curriculum. We must connect these principles to our trials, experiments and applications of technology, including AI.
AI and Learning Adaptivity
One significant aspect of AI’s role in education is its potential to enhance adaptivity in learning. AI can meet students where they are, build on their strengths, and facilitate their knowledge and skill growth. However, we must be aware that the adaptivity of AI systems is limited by the models at their core. AI models are mathematical approximations of reality and may not fully capture all aspects of human learning. It is, therefore, crucial to strive towards AI models that align with our complete vision for learning, avoiding narrow limitations imposed by the current capabilities of AI.
AI and Tutoring
Intelligent Tutoring Systems serve as a prime example of AI models in education. These systems can provide personalised feedback and adaptivity to students, particularly in subjects like mathematics. However, it is essential to acknowledge that early AI models primarily focused on logical and mathematical tasks, disregarding other critical elements of learning, such as social and motivational aspects. To overcome these limitations, we must expand AI models to include asset-oriented approaches, social and collaborative learning, support for neurodiverse learners, and engagement in open-ended and creative tasks.
Learning about Learning with AI
While we embrace AI’s potential to support student learning, it is equally important to consider the educational goal of learning about AI itself. Students should develop a critical understanding of AI’s presence in society, its risks, and its ethical implications. By striking a balance between using AI to support learning and providing opportunities for students to learn about AI, we empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the evolving technological landscape.
As we integrate AI into education systems, it is crucial to maintain a systems thinking approach. AI should not be viewed as a panacea for broken systems, but rather as a tool that requires careful consideration of its context and potential impact. Addressing educational inequalities, data privacy concerns, and ongoing monitoring of AI’s effectiveness are critical aspects that must be addressed to ensure responsible and equitable implementation.
Our Recommendations for AI in Education
Our key recommendation is to seek AI models that closely align with our vision for learning. While acknowledging the limitations of AI, we must prioritise the role of humans in the learning process and leverage AI as a supportive tool. By embracing a human-centred approach and constantly revisiting our goals for education, we can harness the potential of AI to enhance learning experiences for all students. Through collaborative efforts and responsible implementation, we can create a future where AI and human educators work hand in hand to empower students, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning in international schools.
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About GSE
Global Services in Education plans and opens international schools for investors, developers and governments, and manages them once they are running. 39 school projects delivered across 16 countries. Management agreements run a minimum of ten years.
The company was founded in 2011 by Greg Parry and Shanna Parry.