The dawn of the generative artificial intelligence platform, ChatGPT, has opened doors to a wealth of AI-powered resources that may revolutionize learning. While some argue that AI could threaten teachers’ jobs, many view it as a means to enhance, rather than replace, their meaningful work. For example, a survey conducted by McKinsey and Company calculated that only 49% of a teacher’s workweek involves direct contact with students, while the rest could be allocated to AI technology (McKinsey Global Teacher and Student Survey, 2020). It is necessary to acknowledge that the use of AI in the classroom opens the door to potential violations of academic integrity, as exemplified by the use of ChatGPT to write essays or complete homework. However, Edward Evins, a composition professor and administrator of DePaul’s esteemed writing center, actually supports the student use of AI while writing, asserting that “it's no different from having a tutor or someone from the writing center helping you,” as long as students remain “part of the process and actively engaged in revisions.”
Outside of the classroom, education platforms, like Khan Academy are already implementing this new technology to optimize learning through the creation of AI personal tutors with GPT-4. Maya Menon, a rising senior at Hinsdale Central High School and avid Khan Academy user, says that “it is sometimes difficult to understand complex concepts without additional support,” as one would get from a tutor. This pitfall of Khan’s original model can be remedied with a service like the new Khanmingo, which mimics a one-on-one tutoring service by offering personalized feedback and suggestions for students when solving math problems, writing an essay, or even typing code. It was also developed to be a resource for teachers by creating lesson plans and providing student feedback. Forbes Magazine has researched that “30 percent of teachers are [already] using AI to develop lesson plans” (Phillips, 2023), which proves that Khan Academy is on the right track.
According to the United States Department of Education, AI is able to address unique learning styles, cater to diverse learners, and approach the learning process in a more methodical manner (US Department of Education). AI technology, though nascent in its widespread use, has the potential to revolutionize learning…if we let it.
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