Understanding Emerging Technologies and Their Impacts

In, "Generative AI and Its Educational Implications," Kacper Łodzikowski, Peter Foltz, and John Behrens examine the potential impact of generative AI on education. Across four key sections, they analyze the historical evolution of AI in learning contexts, current applications facilitating instruction and assessment, societal repercussions of these technologies, and strategic recommendations for researchers moving forward. The authors highlight generative AI's capacity to transform educational practices through personalized content creation and evaluation of complex cognitive skills. However, they also thoughtfully consider challenges related to effective tool deployment, data bias, output verification, and transparency in system design. Given the profound societal implications, the authors stress the need to re-evaluate curricula, reconceptualize communicative trust, and adapt to evolving social norms. They conclude by urging educational stakeholders to actively engage with generative AI—developing fluency in its capabilities and limitations—to guide these rapidly advancing technologies toward enlightened applications in the digital landscape. https://lnkd.in/eAi_ezjt

Every company in the EdTech space is announcing new AI features in new or existing products. But how many have read the U.S. Department of Education's guidance to get it right? Back in May, the Office of Education Technology released, "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning," explaining what DOE wants to see in effective #AI tools, where it sees this technology going, and how districts can spend money wisely by separating useful tools from fad products. It's essential reading for anyone in this space. But if you're building products, implementing them in classrooms, or vetting them for school and district use, you may want to skip ahead to the list of recommendation the DOE advises: 🔺 Emphasize humans in the loop This is a central tenet, and first for a reason. Teachers will always be the drivers of instruction in the classroom, and the best tools make them better. 🔺 Align AI models to a shared vision for education Place the educational needs of students ahead of the excitement about emerging AI capabilities. The report calls on leaders to avoid 'romancing the magic of AI' or only focusing on promising applications or outcomes. Instead, interrogate with a critical eye how AI-enabled systems and tools function in the educational environment. We want machine learning, not Rube-Goldberg machine learning. 🔺 Design using modern learning principles Ensure product designs are based on best principles of teaching and learning. AI tools are still tools, not results. They are only as good as their utility and how they empower the user. 🔺 Prioritize strengthening trust Constituents want AI that supports teachers and rejects AI visions that replace teachers. This is a North Star for Litmus Learn. We help teachers do their job, we don't find use in replacing them (or trying). 🔺 Inform and Involve Educators Now is the time to show the respect and value for educators by informing and involving them in every step of the process of designing, developing, testing, improving, adopting, and managing AI-enabled #EdTech. I can't help but here the echo of Assistant Secretary of Education Roberto Rodriguez, with whom I had the privilege to work during my time with Teach Plus as part of his National Advisory Cabinet. 🔺 Focus R&D on addressing context and enhancing trust and safety Advance AI on the long tail of learning variability, where large populations of students would benefit from customization of learning. Personalized learning is one of the most powerful potentials of AI. 🔺 Develop Education-Specific Guidelines and Guardrails Leaders at every level need awareness of how this work reaches beyond implications for privacy and security, potential bias and unfairness, and they need preparation to effectively confront the next level of issues. The entire document isn't just nice to read for EdTech developers - it's a must read if you want to get it right, match the market, and maximize efficacy.

Integrating Generative AI in Education: Enhancing Learning, Not Enabling Cheating - get it right As generative AI continues to evolve, its integration into educational settings is increasingly debated. While concerns about AI as a potential tool for cheating are valid, it’s important to focus on how this technology can responsibly enhance learning experiences. Benefits and Ethical Use Generative AI can transform education by providing personalized learning paths and increasing student engagement. More importantly, it offers a unique opportunity to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By designing tasks that require students to create detailed AI prompts, educators can help students understand not just the "what" but the "how" and "why" of problem-solving. Demonstrating Understanding Incorporating AI into coursework can encourage students to demonstrate their understanding by explaining their reasoning within prompts. This practice ensures that AI is used as a learning accelerator, helping students explore complex concepts and apply knowledge rather than simply seeking quick answers. Real-World Applications Imagine a classroom where students use AI to simulate historical events, debate ethical dilemmas, or create virtual labs for science experiments. These applications show that generative AI isn't just a theoretical tool, but a practical one that can bring subjects to life and provide a deeper understanding of curriculum. Call to Action We should challenge educational administrators and decision-makers to proactively explore and integrate generative AI in their curricula. Let's seize the opportunity to use this technology not just as a supplementary tool, but as a key component in developing innovative and effective educational practices. Embrace AI to prepare our students for a future where they not only understand but excel in using advanced technologies for solving real-world problems.

AI's Powers For All 1.  Harnessing AI's potential in education:  Seiji Isotani's research delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, specifically focusing on how AI and behavioral science can synergize to enhance learning experiences. By understanding how students learn and tailoring educational technologies to their individual needs, Isotani aims to optimize the educational process.   2.  Addressing global educational disparities:  Isotani's work extends beyond theoretical research to practical initiatives aimed at addressing global educational disparities. He emphasizes leveraging AI to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that even students in underserved communities have access to quality educational resources. By developing AI technologies that can function effectively with existing infrastructure, Isotani aims to democratize access to education worldwide. 3.  AIED Unplugged:  One of Isotani's notable initiatives is AIED Unplugged, which utilizes AI software accessible via cell phones to assist teachers in evaluating student writing. This initiative has had a tangible impact, reaching hundreds of thousands of students in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. By providing teachers with AI-powered tools for assessment and feedback, AIED Unplugged contributes to improving students' writing skills and overall academic performance. 4.  Gamification and personalized learning:  Isotani integrates gamification elements into AI-driven educational tools to enhance student engagement and motivation. By incorporating game-like features such as rewards, incentives, and personalized learning pathways, Isotani seeks to make learning more enjoyable and effective. This approach not only fosters student motivation but also allows educators to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs, thereby maximizing learning outcomes. 5.  Balancing AI hype with reality:  While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in education, Isotani also emphasizes the importance of approaching AI adoption with caution and responsibility. He warns against succumbing to the hype surrounding AI and advocates for a nuanced understanding of its capabilities and limitations. By promoting responsible AI integration and innovation, Isotani aims to ensure that AI serves as a tool for positive educational transformation rather than a source of disruption or inequality. More info A Case Study on AIED Unplugged Applied to Public Policy for Learning Recovery Post-pandemic in Brazil https://lnkd.in/eg5MyKsH Source https://lnkd.in/ecgmg5wV

In recent reflections on the surge of AI within the edtech landscape, an alarming trend becomes evident: the barrier to entry is significantly lower than it was during the Web 2.0 rush of the late 2000s. Unlike the previous era where products were often built from scratch, requiring substantial innovation and development, the core components of AI—such as large language models (LLMs) and comprehensive data sets—are already widely available. This shift means that companies can more easily package these technologies, adorning them with flashy branding and aggressive public relations campaigns, without necessarily contributing foundational innovations to the field. This context magnifies the importance of Ken Shelton's critical questions, as they bring into focus not just the what and how of AI in education, but also the who and why behind these technologies. It urges educators and stakeholders to: 1️⃣ Examine Data Sets and Supervision: What data sets does your organization use? Do these data sets bear labels, and are they supervised? The integrity and bias of data sets underpin the outcomes AI technologies produce, making transparency around these elements non-negotiable. 2️⃣ Scrutinize Diversity in Design: How does your design and decision-making team's diversity reflect the multifaceted identities of our student body? The perspectives and experiences of those creating AI solutions must resonate with, and reflect, the diversity of those impacted by these technologies. Understanding to what extent these teams' lived experiences align with our students' realities is crucial in creating equitable educational tools. 3️⃣ Question Impact and Transformation Goals: What impact does your organization aim to achieve within the education sector? Beyond mere functional contributions, how do your efforts seek to challenge and transform existing norms? A critical examination of how these technologies plan to dismantle historical and institutional barriers is imperative. In the fast-evolving AI landscape, the ease of entry underscores the necessity for vigilance, not mere skepticism. Ken Shelton's critical questions serve as essential due diligence, ensuring we embrace new AI technologies with informed enthusiasm. These inquiries help us discern genuine educational advancements from mere novelties, guiding us towards solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and truly transformative. By demanding clarity on data integrity, team diversity, and impact, we advocate for a future where technology aligns with our educational values and goals. #ai #aiethics #edtech #education #innovation #vigilance #educationalequity #criticalthinking #digitalcitizenship

The World Economic Forum's latest report, "Shaping the Future of Learning: The Role of AI in Education 4.0," provides a fascinating exploration into the potential of AI to revolutionize the global education system. 👩🏫 The report highlights key insights, such as the ability of AI to free up educators from routine tasks, thus allowing them to focus more on direct engagement with students. Also, AI technologies enable personalized learning experiences that can adapt to the unique needs of each student, potentially transforming educational outcomes. 🌍 While the report outlines the potential benefits of AI in education, it also highlights areas that require deeper consideration. For example, the complexities of AI technology implementation, especially in less developed regions, require more detailed strategies and resource allocation. 🏫 Additionally, there is a need for comprehensive plans to prepare teachers not just to use AI tools, but to integrate them into pedagogy effectively. 💾 Finally, the report could further emphasize strategies to safeguard student data against the increasing risks of breaches and misuse. 💡 As someone deeply committed to advancing AI literacy and upskilling in the workforce, I am encouraged by the report's emphasis on the critical role of AI in developing essential skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical understanding. It's exciting to see a global perspective on how AI can tailor learning experiences to foster a diverse set of competencies in young learners and educators alike!

Exciting news! 🚀 This week, Washington became the fifth state to unveil a strategy for integrating AI into public schools. 🙌 Here's why I think this sets a great precedent for other states/countries: 🤖 Human → AI → Human: Students and educators are encouraged to always begin with human inquiry, apply AI tools, and then evaluate and edit results. Focusing the narrative on human-centered approach ensures we maintain the integrity of the learning experience. 🚀 Empowering Future Innovators: AI is here to stay. This initiative encourages the embedding (vs. banning) of ethical AI use in K-12 education. This ensures students are not just passive users but informed creators and critics of AI technologies, ready to navigate a future where AI is likely much more ubiquitous. 🛡️ Data Protection & Privacy: Prioritizing the safety and privacy of student data is a big piece of AI adoption and literacy. We will never be able to establish trust among educators and parents in AI unless we ensure that student information is safeguarded. Arguably the EU is ahead of the US in this regard but it’s great to see data privacy is becoming an important part of the conversation in the US as well. 🌍 Equity and Inclusion in AI: There already are huge gaps in accessibility to meaningful AI education and so I appreciate multiple callouts in the document to ensure AI education is accessible to every student, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. 🚀 Professional Development for Educators: The initiative recognizes the importance of empowering teachers with the knowledge and tools to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. 🤔 Critical Thinking and AI Ethics: Students are encouraged to engage with AI critically, understanding the algorithms and data that power these technologies. There are real risks and biases that come with GenAI and so it’s great to see that students are encouraged to question (and shape) the impact of AI on society. 📈 Real-World Applications: It's important to remind students that despite risks there are real positive use-cases of these technologies. And hopefully getting them excited to use GenAI meaningfully in their careers. 💡 Creative Problem Solving: By understanding AI's capabilities, students are equipped to leverage technology for creative innovation. This focus on creativity ensures that the next generation is ready to use AI in novel ways (that the non-AI natives might not think of). 👨🏫 Community Engagement and Support: Parents, families, and the wider community need to be involved in understanding AI's role in education. This inclusive approach ensures a collective effort in navigating the AI landscape. AI literacy is what we stand for at ai LaMo so huge kudos to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Chris Reykdal for championing such a visionary approach! #EdTech #AIineducation #WashingtonState #GenAI #education #edtechstartup

The educational ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), demanding new strategies and understandings. "AI Adoption in Education in 2024: An Overview" by Nick Potkalitsky, Lance Cummings, and Marc Watkins offers an in-depth examination of this new terrain. Deep Dives from the Article: Evolving Educational Practices: The authors detail how AI is reshaping curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and student engagement, urging educators to adapt to these changes. Innovative Approaches and Solutions: Potkalitsky, Cummings, and Watkins present case studies and examples where AI has successfully been integrated into educational settings, providing actionable insights for schools and universities. Strategic Implementation: The article discusses the phased approach to AI adoption, from infrastructure setup to teacher training and student feedback mechanisms, providing a roadmap for institutions. Engaging the Educational Ecosystem: As AI becomes more prevalent, it challenges us to rethink the role of teachers, the nature of student learning, and the structure of educational content. How can we ensure that AI tools are aligned with educational goals? What are the best practices for integrating AI into existing educational frameworks? Implications for Future Learning: This article prompts us to consider the long-term implications of AI in education: How will AI shape the skills and competencies required for future workforces? How can we balance technological advancement with critical human skills? Contribute to the Dialogue: What are your experiences or expectations with AI in education? Are there particular strategies or tools that have worked well in your context? Share your insights and join the discussion on how we can collectively navigate the AI integration process in education. For a comprehensive analysis and expert perspectives, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eEw8VB9R #AIinEducation2024 #EducationalInnovation #NickPotkalitsky #LanceCummings #MarcWatkins #EdTechTrends

CobiotX in EDU. The possibilities are limitless! The potential for educational robotics to advance student learning and empower teachers to raise their impact in the classroom is more achievable than ever. We must however, consider shifting our mindset to the existing challenges that robotics and robotics combined with AI can address. Using RAI (Robot Assisted Instruction) in ESL, ELL, Neuro-diverse learning and foreign language instruction is now both affordable and practical when designed well. Recent research now supports the effects of RAI in the classroom. https://lnkd.in/eF9ZnArq. Educational leaders can no longer view robotics as simply a coding and programming vehicle, but rather as an integral part of the overall curriculum and IEPs, not just part of a STEM program. Paired with the right educational applications, RAI is also an opportunity to address teacher retention and shortages. Our inboxes are now brimming with many offers on how to use remaining ESSER funds on STEM, but let's look beyond the "toys" with the best marketing; embrace the opportunity to rethink learning with RAI as a curriculum-driven solution, not a product selection. Today, members of our Learning Team are meeting to continue developing more strategies and professional learning to maximize educational robotics, RAI and AI across the curriculum and solve existing challenges in EDU.

The moment I started using GenAI for the first time, I realized three things immediately. First, this is finally the transformational technology we've been talking about for years that can personalize learning and unlock new possibilities in education. AI has the power to be a game changer for how we teach and learn. At the same time, I felt an urgent concern that the education sector was not prepared to adopt these tools due to COVID fatigue, risk aversion, and a lack of technical skills and resources other industries have. Finally education is usually an afterthought for deep tech, which we are seeing play out now at OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic. Current GenAI tools are not safe, reliable or fit-for-purpose for schools and students. This is why I started AI for Education - to build the capacity of educators across the spectrum and elevate the voices of educators to those creating GenAI tools. We can’t let the tech world leave education behind. As leaders in education, we must raise our voices to demand that big tech companies equitably support and create tools that are safe and fit-for-purpose for our schools. GenAI has incredible potential, but we must be able to partner with deep tech to ensure that access is equitable and responsible. The future is here. It’s up to us to be the loudest people in the room advocating for students, teachers, and leaders. #aiforeducation #aieducation #policy #AI #genAI #edtech