Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant part of every aspect of people’s lives, including education, and still holds a vast potential that has yet to emerge. From the invention of the print press to having personal computers in almost every classroom, digital technology has revolutionised the way we transmit knowledge. However, digital innovations come with their own sets of risks and challenges that worldwide communities have yet to resolve.
Many countries have already been implementing AI-based curriculums in their educational systems to enhance the quality of tutoring classes and learning experiences. For instance, China’s government has proposed a “New Generation of Artificial Intelligence Technology Development Plan” to promote AI in primary and secondary schools. This plan covers AI lessons, starting with elementary classes across the country (Liu Caiyu, 2023). As this is a new concept, there have been no tremendous results yet, and others are facing a similar experience.
“The speed at which generative AI technologies are being integrated into education systems in the absence of checks, rules, or regulations is astonishing,” says Stefania Giannini (2023). Although the majority of risks of AI in education have been declared, the education community is still unable to assess the exits of those harms. The foremost problem with AI is privacy concerns. AI system is based on collecting personal information from users, including students who upload their private data: IP addresses, phone numbers, and names. The constantly evolving concept of technology creates potential leaks in systems, which could lead to the exposure of underage students’ information that could be used against them. The data can be used for profit-driven purposes that go against initial educational purposes (Lan Huang, 2023). For example, in 2020, ProctorU, a proctoring service used by companies and colleges to monitor online tests for cheating, released a statement on the leakage of 444,000 students’ personal information, including full names, addresses, and other information (Lawrence Abrams, 2020).
Furthermore, outrageous reliance on AI may result in a regression of students’ critical thinking and cognitive abilities. By using pre-existing information AI algorithms inhibit creative and abstract thinking, leading to a lack of generation of new ideas and approaches from students.
On the other hand, Artificial intelligence presents numerous opportunities for students across the globe, especially for students from disadvantageous backgrounds, and offers innovative methods to the educational system. In Africa lack of adequate pedagog training was an issue lasting over time; however, with the development of the Sierra Leone program, the Kenyan platform Eneza Education, and other educational activities, an increasing number of African students are getting a high-quality education. The first program with already 1500 teachers signed, aims to use AI to help teachers find their methods for teaching and build courses adapted to students’ needs (François Hume-Ferkatadji, 2023). Additionally, AI tools provide a wide range of personal tutoring systems, such as helping with homework, preparing for exams, and making plans according to students’ academic performance. According to Sal Khan, many students feel anxious while asking questions at school, but by using AI programmes like Khanmigo, they can ask questions directly without exposing their anxiety (2023). Moreover, based on the user’s search history, AI can create a personalised plan covering their weak points and strengths.
To conclude, the integration of AI in education has made both positive and negative impacts on the academic system. However, with the rapid advancement of technology implementation of AI in education is inevitable. Therefore, countries should adopt policies and regulations that ensure the security and safety of students. Further research on AI’s influence should also be conducted to make curriculum changes more efficient for students and to understand the principles of AI.