Virtual Learning + AI
The shift to virtual learning and AI’s impact on student outcomes, critical thinking, and educational equity.
COVID-19: How virtual learning shifted the foundations of modern education
The following institutions have published studies that highlight the biggest educational concerns following the pandemic.
Brookings Institute
A study conducted by Megan Kuhfeld, Jim Soland, Karyn Lewis, and Emily Morton highlights the alarming decline in math and reading test scores among U.S. students from 2019 to 2021. One of the most concerning findings is the widening achievement gap between students in low-poverty and high-poverty schools.
National Institute of Health
Vanessa Ratten's study highlights how changes from COVID-19 have reshaped the educational experience and what this means for future teaching methods. The rapid adoption of digital tools, including online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and simulations, has significantly altered the way students engage with educational content.
Harvard Graduate School
of Education
Unlike previous assumptions that family background, income, or access to technology would be the most significant factors affecting learning during the pandemic, the data in this study revealed that the location where children lived had a more profound impact.
Consider…
What ethical considerations arise when using AI to monitor student behavior and performance?
How can the rise of AI influence student attitudes towards learning, or affect the way they approach new content?
How can educational systems balance utilizing digital tools and maintaining human interactions?
AI Technology In the Classroom Raises Questions About Student Outcomes
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education has been a transformative force, offering new ways for students to engage with technology and learn about the world around them. From online games teaching university-level AI concepts to high school students, to virtual AI avatars guiding young children through foundational AI lessons, AI is reshaping the educational landscape.
These AI-driven initiatives, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), are not just about introducing AI into classrooms but also about teaching students how AI works, fostering critical thinking, and preparing them for a future where AI will play a significant role. (Source)
Highlighted Articles
Artificial Intelligence In Education: Teachers’ Opinions On AI In The Classroom
The article Artificial Intelligence In Education: Teachers’ Opinions On AI In The Classroom by Ilana Hamilton, published on Forbes, explores the growing impact of AI in education based on a survey of 500 U.S. educators. The survey highlights that over 60% of teachers are already using AI tools, with younger educators showing the highest adoption rates. The article concludes that AI will likely continue to influence education, though it is not expected to dominate it completely.
The future of learning: How AI is revolutionizing education 4.0
The article The Future of Learning: How AI is Revolutionizing Education 4.0 by Tanya Milberg from the World Economic Forum discusses the transformative role of AI in education. It highlights that AI can support teachers by automating administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on personalized student interactions, thus enhancing rather than replacing human-led teaching. To fully realize AI's benefits in education, substantial investment in infrastructure, training, and data protection is necessary, ensuring that AI contributes to closing educational gaps rather than widening them.