Technologies to Revolutionize Education

CEBU, Philippines - It is amazing how modern technology has captured the attention of young people. At one extreme, the fascination even approaches the point of addiction. While too much attachment to technology can present some problems, technology may also be tapped to improve the state of things.

In an article at www.huffingtonpost.com, Dr. L. Robert Furman writes about “two technologies that have really captured the attention of educators as well as futurists.” And these technologies can quite simply revolutionize the educational system, states Dr. Furman. But, he points out, the change can have some cost for the educators.

Dr. Furman is referring to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR). He thinks that technology might not replace a great teacher – but technology is already replacing the traditional, average teacher. He cites as example a classroom of a traditional teacher:

“Students come into the classroom and begin to work on a worksheet. The teacher then delivers the content for that class. It might be a lecture, video, or reading from a text. Then the students do an activity with that newly learned content. Then the teacher offers more work to practice the content, usually in the form of homework. Generally this is a standard day in a classroom of a traditional teacher.”

Then Dr. Furman asks: “Do you see anything in this example that cannot be done by Artificial Intelligence or a Virtual World?” There’s probably none.  And he shares five things that an AI/VR school system can do just as easily as a traditional teacher:

1. An AI system can ask questions to a student, recognize if the response was accurate or not, and ask another question exactly at that student’s instructional level.

An AI educator system is the quintessential example of personalized learning. The computer will know the students and their abilities to an extent that might not be possible with a traditional teacher. The AI system can analyze student responses and know the exact next question that students need to deepen their thinking and knowledge.

2. An AI system would have the entire internet at its reach and can be used as an educational tool for the students.

So as an AI system is a part of the World Wide Web, it would have the ability to send content, resources, videos, articles etc. to the student based on what they need to learn or study next. The amount of additional resources and ever-changing discoveries is staggering. That knowledge is rapidly increasing on a global scale. An AI system would be able to use the most relevant resources and the most current studies to support the student in any content.

3. The AI system would also be connected to all other educational AI systems around the globe.

Consider the concept of distance learning. Consider the idea of a global classroom where students from around the world can work together in a learning experience. An AI education system would be connected to all other AI education systems so that when students need to work on group projects, the AI systems would join those students together remotely.

4. Adding Virtual Reality to the AI educational system can take students to the doorstep of the learning experience.

With virtual reality, science class will be taught in a simulated science lab, music class will be taught in the famous French Opera House or in an electronic music lab based out of San Francisco, and Language Arts can be taught by Edgar Allan Poe. With Virtual Reality, the learning experience no longer has to be in a classroom, it doesn’t even have to be on school grounds. Field trips can be to ancient Rome and gym class can be hiking at Yellowstone National Park.

5. The AI/VR system is 24/7.

Because the AI/VR system is all on the web, it is a 24/7 learning experience. School can be any time. Personalized learning becomes the norm and each student becomes an expert of his or her interests. From struggling learners to those that are exceptionally intelligent, the AI/VR education system will know their needs, and be able to work with them whenever they wish.

Of course, there will be required milestones and benchmark requirements. But time becomes a non-issue. The learner’s grade level – first, second, eleventh – means nothing. He moves at his own pace because his AI/VR system is there for him wherever and whenever.

These technologies may threaten the jobs of traditional, average teachers. But Dr. Furman agrees with what someone has put across on the Internet: “Great teachers will not be replaced with technology. Great teachers will facilitate learning with the help of technology. Great teachers also have another secret weapon – they exhibit the human element.”

Because no technology can mimic the compassion, the empathy, the kindness, the nurturing, and all the other beautiful human qualities of great teachers. (FREEMAN)