AI in Education Bi-weekly Digest - Issue #13

Welcome to the 13th issue! Upcoming events include seminars on empowering research in the GenAI era and AI innovations in higher education. In the news, there are debates about the impact of AI on education, including the potential obsolescence of teachers and the allowance of AI in Australian schools. Articles cover topics such as AI tools supporting student learning, recommendations for AI policy, and the potential of AI in promoting creativity and self-directed learning. Additionally, there are resources on using the Copilot AI in Windows 11 and an AI-powered tool called Humata for document summarization and searching.

Upcoming Events:

[Online Semniar] Empowering Research in the GenAI Era: Harnessing AI Tools and Referencing AI-Generated Content - Embark on an exhilarating journey into GenAI and research as this seminar delves into two pivotal aspects: the ethical citing of AI-generated content and the effective utilisation of AI-powered tools. Join us and unlock the boundless possibilities of GenAI and research.

[Online Semniar] AI Innovations in Higher Education: Infrastructure, Generative Chatbot, and Content Detector - Join us for an insightful seminar on AI Innovations for Higher Education, featuring the holistic infrastructure the City University of Hong Kong developed to support AI innovation in teaching and learning, discussion of the performance and cost-effectiveness of generative chatbots, specifically ChatGPT and the effectiveness of AI-content-detecting tools in combating AI-assisted cheating.

[Online Conference] Empowering Tomorrow: Unleashing Creativity through Generative AI - The conference hosted by the University of Kent focuses on the current trends and impact of AI in various fields. The conference features keynote sessions by Dr. Bogdan Vrusias from Amazon Web Services, exploring practical AI use cases. Panel discussions cover generative AI in education, business, healthcare, and personal studies, with talks from academics, students, and professionals.

[Online Survey] Study on Teachers' AI Perceptions and Readiness - We are seeking teaching staff in universities and higher institutions to contribute their views and comments on the use of AI in teaching and learning. Your insights will greatly assist us in understanding the impact of AI on education and shaping its future role in the field.

News and Interviews:

Will AI End Education as We Know It? Economist Predicts Schools, Teachers Could Become 'Obsolete' - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is causing debate about the future of teaching. Economist Peter Schiff predicts that AI will eventually eliminate the need for human teachers and render schools obsolete. However, others, like Palm Beach Atlantic University professor Dr. Tom St. Antoine, see AI as an opportunity to enhance education. The debate revolves around the role of AI in gathering and sharing knowledge versus its limitations in fostering personal growth and understanding.

Artificial Intelligence Such as ChatGPT to Be Allowed in Australian Schools from 2024 - Australian schools will allow the use of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, starting in 2024. Education ministers have backed a national framework for the use of AI in schools, acknowledging its prevalence and importance. Concerns about privacy and plagiarism had led some states to temporarily restrict ChatGPT, but now all states and territories, except South Australia, will implement the framework from the first term of next year. The aim is to ensure equitable access to AI tools for all students while addressing legitimate concerns and promoting responsible usage.

Articles & Blogs:

Class Companion Puts AI to Work Helping Teachers Help Students - The article discusses the potential of generative AI tools in supporting students' learning process. While students may desire tools that complete their assignments, the true potential lies in enabling students to do more work effectively within their zone of proximal development. Class Companion, a new AI platform, aims to provide high-quality feedback to students. The tool's immediate feedback feature is highlighted as essential for effective student learning and growth.

AI in Action: Recommendations for AI Policy in Health, Education, and Labor – The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has provided recommendations on leveraging AI to improve education, healthcare, and labor. In education, the government should fund AI research and establish a National Center for Advanced Development in Education. The FAS emphasizes the need for inclusive design, ethical considerations, ongoing oversight, and collaboration among stakeholders to harness the benefits of AI effectively.

Q&A: Can AI in School Actually Help Students Be More Creative and Self-directed? – Katie Davis, an associate professor at the University of Washington, discussed the potential of generative AI, like ChatGPT, to enhance learning while preserving students' agency. She emphasized the importance of technology supporting young people's self-directed learning and being community-supported. Davis explored how generative AI can be used creatively and critically by students, rather than relying on it for answers. She also highlighted the need to address disparities in AI tool adoption and promote meaningful experiences on social media.

Four Things an Educational Psychologist Wants You to Know about AI in the Classroom – The article discusses four key points about artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. Firstly, AI has limitations and can be outsmarted by understanding its shortcomings and designing assignments that require critical thinking and personal experiences. Secondly, AI can be used for positive purposes in education, making lessons more engaging and allowing students to focus on important skills. Thirdly, it is crucial for students to learn how to use AI effectively and ethically, as it will be a valuable skill in the future. Finally, educators and parents should explore and experiment with AI tools themselves to understand their potential and limitations before incorporating them into the classroom.

Explained: Why Is 'Emotional AI' Important in Personalized Education - The use of Emotional AI in education is revolutionizing personalized learning experiences. With AI-powered systems monitoring behavior and tracking emotional states, students receive tailored recommendations and support. Integrating Emotional AI addresses disengagement and dropout rates, creates a comprehensive learning database, and promotes equitable access to education regardless of location or background.

Chatbot Hallucinations Are Poisoning Web Search - The article highlights an incident where Microsoft's Bing search engine provided false information sourced from AI-generated responses by chatbots. The accidental experiment conducted by a researcher reveals the flaws in large language models and the need for safeguards to prevent the dissemination of false or fabricated information. The article also suggests that AI-generated content could be exploited to manipulate search results.

Will AI Make American Education Even More Unequal? - The passage argues that AI has the potential to personalize learning and reduce academic disparities, but without regulations, tech firms may exploit the education market, perpetuating inequalities. It is crucial to seize this moment to shape a more equitable and sustainable future in education.

Unleashing AI - Generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, has the potential to transform industries and democratize innovation. It represents a new phase in the evolution of AI, offering opportunities for growth in compute, networking, memory chips, infrastructure, platforms, models, and software. The Citi Global Perspectives & Solutions Report explored the opportunities and challenges of generative AI.

Tools/Resources:

Disclaimer: AI in Education has no affiliation with any highlighted free or commercial products in this section.

How to Use the New Copilot AI in Windows 11 - Co-pilot is a new AI feature developed by Microsoft that aims to provide assistance and improve productivity across various Microsoft products. Co-pilot will incorporate web context, work data, and PC activities to offer personalized assistance while prioritizing privacy and security. It will be available in Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Bing, and Edge, accessible as an app or through right-click functionality. Co-pilot will roll out gradually, starting with Windows 11 and expanding to other applications over time. More can be found here.

Humata – Humata is an AI-powered tool that can summarize long technical papers, compare documents, and search for answers. The AI provides citations for answers, allowing users to trace the source of information. Users can ask for shorter summaries and request AI-generated rewrites until they are satisfied.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the linked posts are those of the speakers and or their entities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the project AI in Education, Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.