By Vinay Singh, ED and CEO, Thomson Digital and Q&I
Artificial intelligence (AI) is radically transforming the education system and altering teaching and learning across higher education, K12, and lifelong learning. New AI-powered technologies are helping the identification of at-risk pupils, forecasting enrollment, and prognosticating outcomes. These new developments are generating more data than ever before. Education technology (EdTech) companies are leveraging this data to build custom digital models that they can then use to access the many ready-to-use AI services that are now accessible.
Edtech start-ups redefining the education sector
The Covid-induced global lockdown forced even the most prominent colleges and universities to turn to a digital platform, which levelled the playing field for edtech startups that tapped into the digital space to provide education, leading to enormous growth initially for the industry. Edtech is crucial to bridge the gap between the availability of qualified teachers, and the accessibility of quality education in the remotest areas of the country. The New Education Policy has introduced numerous reforms in the education system, paving the way for online education and digital engagement. The industry anticipates more lenient online regulations as education is scaled up for a wider audience and optionality.
AI tools driving the education sector
The impact of AI is being felt across industries as AI-based applications such as natural language processing (NLP), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning (ML) gain popularity. According to Statista, the market for AI-based software is anticipated to expand quickly and reach USD 126 billion by 2025. According to a Markets and Markets analysis, the global market for AI in the education sector is predicted to reach USD 3.68 billion by 2023. This is hardly surprising given the myriad of applications for AI in education, especially as online education becomes mainstream. AI presents a plethora of new opportunities for edtech companies in India.
Customised learning: Each student or individual has unique interests and motivations when it comes to learning. Historically, the educational curriculum has always been largely standardised, primarily because it was practically impossible to personalise it to suit individual preferences and capabilities. Edtech companies and startups are unlocking the benefits of AI and ML around the nation and the globe as these technologies become more accessible and user-friendly, particularly when it comes to customising learning content for a learner or educator’s specific needs. With AI, it is possible to design custom-tailored learning programmes that are specifically suited to the needs of the learner based on observations, analyses, and predictions of their behaviour. AI enables the identification of learning gaps based not only on test performance but also on non-verbal clues such as facial expressions and classroom behaviour. This personalisation can result in a much deeper engagement and focus, as well as improved learning retention. Personalised learning paths can prove especially beneficial to slow and differently-abled learners since they provide them the chance to control the speed of learning and ensure that they are on the level with their peers in terms of knowledge.
Automated assessments: Automation technologies not only make it possible to automate the grading of quantitative assessments, such as multi-choice questions but also make qualitative evaluations of the essay-based test format. This not only helps teachers save a lot of time on grading and evaluations, but it also removes any possibility of unintentional bias or favouritism. In addition, the large volumes of assessment data can have an impact on curriculum design and be used to understand the overall success of learning programmes at the group level.
AI teaching assistants: AI is offering AI-enabled teaching assistants and tutors in addition to helping teachers be more effective and efficient with personalised content. In a virtual classroom, chatbots powered by AI might serve as teachers’ assistants. For instance, they can help resolve basic doubts and reinforce concepts. These AI tutors can also establish a variety of checkpoints in real-time throughout the learning process to help students evaluate their understanding. AI-powered solutions can fill the gap left by human teachers’ constrained bandwidth and inability to always be available to their students. Students have the freedom to use these resources to elevate their understanding since these tools can be accessible to them at all times.
Additionally, these AI tutors can alert teachers of any learning gaps so that they can take the appropriate action to bring all students up to speed. The future of learning and the culture of education can be redefined by edtech start-ups and companies with the right kind of AI tools.