Artificial Intelligence Assists pupils Facing Academic Challenges
In the ever-evolving landscape of American public education, the debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is heating up. AI, with its potential to provide personalized support and supplemental instruction, could help narrow the achievement gap that has long plagued the system. However, concerns about widening disparities and the digital divide persist.
The challenge is clear: rising class sizes and teacher burnout make it difficult to offer personalized support without AI. Khan Academy's AI-based chatbot, Khanmigo, promises to be a game-changer, offering free personalized tutoring services. This AI could provide supplemental, individualized instruction to students of all backgrounds and aptitudes, helping schools achieve their goals, but only if they prioritize student outcomes over ideology.
Yet, not all schools are ready to embrace AI. Some districts still cling to a "soft" version of academic tracking, while others have policies that equalize math education by bringing everyone down to the same level, resulting in a lower ceiling rather than raising the floor. This approach could be counterproductive, as it fails to address the needs of both high-achieving students and those who struggle.
The National Education Association has released a report warning that AI could heighten disparities. The concern is critical because it may undermine the goal of inclusive, equitable education by disproportionately benefiting already advantaged students. The OECD recently published a report echoing these concerns, highlighting that unequal access to digital resources and varying levels of digital skills among students can exacerbate existing social disparities.
However, there is a silver lining. AI could help reverse the trends in American public education. By 2024, many students, including high-achieving minority students, were found unprepared for STEM endeavors in college. AI could provide the necessary support to help these students reach their potential.
But for AI to be truly beneficial, it's crucial that schools ensure all students have equal access to these resources. This means addressing the digital divide, ensuring that all students have the necessary devices and internet access, and providing training for teachers to effectively use AI in the classroom.
Moreover, the developers of AI technology are predominantly younger, White, cisgender, heterosexual, male, and able-bodied. This lack of diversity could lead to biases in AI algorithms, which could further widen the achievement gap. To mitigate this, it's essential that the education sector works towards greater diversity in tech development.
In conclusion, the use of AI in education holds great potential, but it's not a panacea. Schools must allow advanced learners to excel while giving extra support to those who fall behind. By addressing the digital divide and promoting diversity in tech development, AI could help narrow the gaps associated with race, family income, and IQ, making education more equitable for all.
Sydney Flisser, a collegiate associate at the Manhattan Institute, is a voice in this ongoing debate. Her insights offer a fresh perspective on the role of AI in education and the challenges that lie ahead. As the education sector grapples with these issues, the hope is that AI will be used to enhance learning opportunities for all, rather than exacerbate existing disparities.
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