Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to the deep dive. Today. We're going to be
looking at this article about AI and education. It talks
about some pretty crazy stuff like personalized learning, AI handling
all the paperwork teachers hate, and even VR field trips.
I mean, you're ready to see how AI is going
to be changing things up for students and teachers. I am,
let's dive in.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It really is an exciting time for all. This AI
has so much potential to make education way more effective
and even fun.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Yeah, and you know what really caught my eye was
the idea of personalized learning. It's basically like, yeah, everyone
gets their own personal tutor for every subject. The article
mentions these adaptive learning systems. What exactly are those?
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Okay, so imagine a system this always keeping track of
your progress. Let's say in math, if you do really
well with al it'll start giving you harder problems. But
let's say you're struggling with fractions, it would give you
extra practice and explanations that are tailored just for you
and gandry. These adaptive learning systems use machine learning, which
is a type of artificial intelligence, to make all these
(01:00):
adjustments in real time.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
WHOA, that's amazing. It's like the system is always learning
about you, and it's changing the lesson plan like as
you go.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
That's exactly it. And you know what, there's evidence that
shows that this actually works. There was this study by Stanford.
They found that students who were using these adaptive learning
platforms in math, their scores were getting better, way faster
than those using you know, the traditional methods.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Okay, so personalized learning is awesome for students, but what
about the teachers. They already have a million things to do.
Can AI actually like lighten their workloads?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Absolutely? I mean, think about how much time teachers spend
on grading attendance and just all that paperwork. AI can
automate a.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Lot of that.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
So does that mean no more late nights grading essays?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Well, maybe not completely, but AI can definitely make it
go faster. For example, there are AI systems that can
grade multiple choice tests and even give feedback on essays
and you know, highlight areas where students need to improve.
So then this would free teachers to focus.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
On you know, more interactive and engaging things. Okay, that
sounds really good in theory, but wouldn't that you know,
kind of standardize learning. What about the students that think
outside the box or have a unique way of writing.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
That's a really good point. The goal isn't to replot
teachers or to get rid of creativity, but to give
them the tools that make their jobs easier and lets
them spend more time actually connecting.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
With their students.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
There's still a lot of research going on about how
to intingrade AI into education in a way that doesn't
get rid of that human touch.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Yeah, that makes sense. It's all about finding the right balance, right.
The article also talks about AI helping schools use their
resources better. Can you give an example of that.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Sure, Let's say that a school is suddenly seeing a
lot more students signing up for computer science courses. AI
can look at this trend as well as the data
about teachers and classroom space, and then it can actually
tell the administrators so that they can get the resources
to where they need to be.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
So it's kind of like, oh, they can be prepared
instead of always playing catch up.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
It's about using the data to make better decisions and
you know, ultimately give everyone a better learning experience.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Now, this next part is super interesting, especially with all
the work you've done on global education. The article talks
about AI breaking down language barriers. Can you tell me
more about that.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Imagine you have a student in rural India who wants
to study astrophysics, but they don't have any English materials.
AI powered translation tools. They can translate textbooks, lectures, even
videos in real time, which you know, opens up a
world of knowledge that was previously out of reach.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
So basically, any student, no matter what country they're in,
could learn from the best teachers and have the best
educational content, regardless of what language they speak.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
That's the goal.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It's about making education fair and making knowledge open to everyone.
And it's not just about translating words either. AI can
also help with things like cultural context, which make sure
that the information is really understood across different cultures.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
That's incredible. It really feels like we're about to see
a huge change in how education is given and received
all over the world.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
It is.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It's an exciting time to be a part of all
of this.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
And this is just the beginning.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Okay, now I'm ready for the really futuristic stuff. What's
the deal with these virtual tutors? Is that really a thing?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
It is, and it's getting even more advanced all the time.
Imagine you could have a tutor who's available all the time,
who can answer all your questions, explain those really difficult concepts,
and guide you through practice problems. That's what these AI
powered virtual tutors can do.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Wait, so let's say I'm struggling with a physics problem
at midnight. A virtual tutor could actually.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Help me exactly. And it's not just that they can
answer your questions. They can also look at how you
learn and change their approach to fit you, So they're.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Like personalized tutors, available whenever and wherever. I can see
how that would be huge, especially for those students who
need a little your help or who learn at a
different pace than.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Everyone else, and for students in say remote areas, or
students who don't have access to good tutors in person.
Virtual tutors could be a game changer. They can really
level the playing field and make sure that every student
has a chance to succeed.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
That's a good point. We've been talking about all the
cool things about AI, but I'm sure there are some
challenges too, right, What are some things we need to
be aware of as we start using AI and education more.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
That's all a really important question one thing to keep
in mind is making sure everyone has equal access. Just
like AI can break down barriers, it can also create
new ones if we're not careful. We have to make
sure that everyone can use these technologies, no matter their background,
where they live, or any disabilities they might have.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
That's a really important point. Technology shouldn't be another thing
that creates inequality exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
We have to make sure that AI is used to
close the gap and not make it wider.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Okay, so accessibility is key. What else should we be
thinking about?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Another thing is data privacy. These AI systems collect a
lot of information about students, and it's really important that
this data is protected and used in the right way.
We need to have clear rules and regulations to protect
student privacy and make sure this information isn't misused.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
You're right. Student data is you know, really sensitive and
it has to be handled carefully for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
And then there's also the question of teacher training. As
we start using AI more in education, teachers need to
have the right skills and knowledge to use these tools
well in their classrooms.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
So it's not just about having the technology, it's also
knowing how to actually use it to make learning better exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
And this is something that we'll keep going. As AI
keeps changing, the schools and knowledge teachers need will keep
changing too.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
This is all really fascinating, you know, but I have
to say it's a lot to process. It seems like
AI is already making a big impact on education and
it's only going to get bigger in the future.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That's definitely true, and that's why it's so important to
be having these conversations now. The choices we make today
will affect the future of education for generations.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Well, I'm glad we're having this conversation. This deep dive
has already been really eye opening, and I'm really looking
forward to hearing more about some of the actual examples
of AI and action that you talked about earlier.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
I'm happy to share.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Are you ready to hear about some truly amazing applications
of AI and education?
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Definitely bring on the amazing thing.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Well, one area that's super exciting is using AI to
predict student outcomes.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Oh yeah, I remember reading about that in the article.
It honestly sounded kind of like sci fi to me, Like,
how does that even work?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
It all comes down to data. AI can analyze things
like students' grades and attendance, even their engagement in those
online learning platforms, and from that it can identify patterns
that might show that they're at risk of falling behind.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
So it's like an early warning system exactly.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
And having that early warning, let's the educators step in
before it's too late. Maybe the student just needs extra
tutoring or some counseling, or maybe even just a little
more encouragement. The main thing is AI can help figure
out what's needed before the student is really struggling.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
That's really amazing. It's like we can help them before
they even know they need it.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
That's the idea.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
It's all about being proactive and creating a better learning environment.
And there's research this shows that this approach can actually
be really effective. UC Berkeley did a study and they
found that using AI to predict student outcomes led to
a significant drop in the number of students who dropped out,
especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
That's really great to hear. It sounds like AI can
really make a difference in giving every student a chance
to succeed.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
That's what we're hoping for, and honestly, we're just scratching
the surface of what's possible.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Okay, you mentioned some mind blowing applications earlier. Tell me
about those.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Okay, well, how about this AI powered virtual and augmented
reality experience.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Now that's what I'm talking about. The article talked about this,
and it sounded so cool, like instead of just reading
about the Roman Empire, you could put on a VR headset, yeah,
and actually walk around ancient Rome.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
That's exactly the kind of thing that AI is making possible.
It's about creating these immersive, really engaging learning environments that
really make the subjects come to life.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I can totally see how that would be way more
effective than just reading a textbook. It would be like
actually being there.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, exactly. And it's not just history either. Imagine learning
about anatomy by dissecting a virtual frog, or exploring the
human body from the inside out using augmented reality. The
possibilities are pretty much endless.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Okay, you're right, that's mind blowing. But I have to
ask how accessible is all this technology? Like VR headsets
are pretty expensive, and I know not every school can
afford to have a bunch of them.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
That's a valid concern, and it's one of the challenges
that we're going to have to deal with as these
technology get more popular. But the good news is VR
and AR technology is getting cheaper and there are already
programs out there that are trying to get this technology
into schools and underserved communities.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
That's good to hear. It would be a shame if
only some students had access to these amazing learning opportunities.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
The goal is to make sure that all students can
use this tech so everyone can benefit from these really
immersive learning experiences.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
This has been a really amazing overview of what AI
can do for education. It feels like we're on the
edge of like a huge change.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
I think we are, and it's a really exciting time
to be a part of this. But like we talked about,
it's important to be thoughtful about all of this and
address the challenges along with all the opportunities.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Right, we need to make sure that AI is used
to create a better education system for everyone.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Couldn't agree more. And it's a conversation that everyone needs
to be a part of. Educators, policymakers, parents and even
the students themselves.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
You know, it's funny we talk about AI like it's
this apps thing in the future, but it's already affecting
students' lives right now.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
It really is, and I think it's important that we
look at some real world examples of this.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh yeah, do you have any specific stories or examples
of how AI is being used in classrooms today?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I do.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
For instance, there's a company called dual Lingo. A lot
of people probably know them from their language learning app.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Oh yeah, I've used dual Lingo before to try and
learn some Spanish. It's a great app.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Well, they're doing some really cool things with AI, Like
they developed an AI powered chatbot that helps students practice
having conversations in a safe and supportive environment.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So it's kind of like having a conversation partner who's
always available and never gets tired of listening to you
mess up exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
And because it's AI, it can adjust to the student's
level and give them personalized feedback.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
That's really cool. What other examples are there?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Another great example is con Academy. It's a nonprofit that
offers free online educational resources. They're using AI to make
personal learning paths for students, and they recommend videos and
exercises based on each student's strengths and weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
So it's like everyone has a curriculum made just for them.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Exactly, and they're also using AI to make interactive exercises
that gives students instant feedback and help them learn things
at their own pace.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
These are really inspiring examples. It's clear that AI is
already making a positive impact on education in really tangible ways.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
It really is, and again, I think this is just
the beginning, you know.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Hearing all these examples makes me think about the role
of teachers in this new AI powered world. Do you
think that AI is going to replace teachers?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Ooh, that's a question that comes up a lot, and
my answer is absolutely not. AI is a tool, a
really powerful tool.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
But it's still just that, yeah, a tool.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
It can definitely make teaching and learning better, but it
can't replace that human element that's so important in education.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
I'm glad to hear that, because I really think there's
something special about the connection between a teacher and a
student that technology just can't replicate.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Teachers brain passion, empathy, creativity, and inspiration to the classroom.
They create a sense of community and encourage students to
love learning, and AI just can't do that.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So it's not about AI versus teachers. It's about AI
and teachers working together exactly.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
It's about finding ways to use AI in education that
empower teachers and macome better at connecting with her students.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
It makes a lot of sense. It's about using technology
to create a more human centered learning experience.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
I love that, a more human centered learning experience. That's
exactly what it should be about.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
We've talked about how much potential AI has, We've looked
at some real world examples, and we've talked about why
humans are so important. But what about the future. What
are your predictions for how AI is going to keep
shaping education in the future.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
HM. That's a great question. And while we can't know
for sure what will happen, I do think there are
some key trends that will probably shape the future of education.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Okay, I'm ready for your putions. What do you see happening?
Speaker 2 (14:01):
One trend that I think is going to get even
bigger is personalized learning. As AI gets more advanced, it'll
be able to personalize learning experiences to each student's needs,
interest in learning styles in even more.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Specific ways.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
So it's like every student will have their own learning
plan that changes as they learn.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Exactly, and that personalization will go beyond just the lessons themselves.
AI will be able to personalize how fast the students
are learning, the feedback they get, and even the learning
environment itself.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
WHOA, that's amazing. It's like having a personal AI tutor
who knows you better than you know yourself. What other
trends do you see?
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Another trend that I think will be really big is
the rise of lifelong learning. You know, in the past,
education was seen as something you did at school or
university and then it was over. But AI can make
learning a continuous process that's personalized and lasts a lifetime.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
So you're saying that we can keep learning and growing
even after we graduate, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And AI will play a big role in this by
recommending courses, connecting people with mentors, and creating personalized learning
pathways that change as our interests and goals change.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
That's really exciting. It's like everyone can keep learning forever.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
I think that's a really good way to put it.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
AI has the potential to make learning possible for everyone,
no matter how old they are, where they live, or
their background.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Okay, so personalized learning and lifelong learning are two big
trends you see what else is going to shape the
future of education.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Another trend that will be important is focusing on developing
twenty first century skills.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
H What are those? Exactly?
Speaker 2 (15:36):
There are the skills that are really important for succeeding
in today's world, right, like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication,
and creativity.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Basically the skills that will help.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Students thrive in a world that's constantly changing, especially with
technology always evolving.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
I see, so how will AI help develop those skills?
Speaker 2 (15:57):
AI can give students chances to practice these skills in
really engaging in interactive ways. For example, there are these
AI powered platforms where students can work together on projects virtually,
they can solve real world problems using simulations, and they
can get feedback on their critical thinking and communication skills.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
So it's not just about memorizing facts anymore. It's about
learning skills that will actually help you succeed exactly.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
And AI can be a really helpful tool in helping
students of all ages learn those skills.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
This has been a really fascinating look into the future.
It's clear that AI is going to keep changing how
we learn and teach.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
Yeah, I think so too, And It's an exciting time
to be a part of all this. But just like
with any new technology, we need to be careful and
thoughtful about how we use AI in education.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Yeah, for sure, we need to make sure that AI
is used to create a more fair, effective, and human
centered learning experience for all students.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
As we're talking about all this, one thing that keeps
coming back to me is AI as a tool for empowerment. Like,
it's not just about making education easier or more efficient,
it's about actually giving students the tools they need to
really take control of their learning and you know, reach
their full potential.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
It's a really important point. Sometimes people worry that AI
is going to make education impersonal, but I actually think
it can make it more personal and more empowering than
ever before.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Oh interesting, can you explain that a bit more? And
curious to hear what you.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Mean, so think about it right now, education is kind
of a one size fits all model.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
You know.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Teachers try their best to work with different learning styles
and paces, but when you have a big class, it's
just not possible to personalize everything for every student.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Yeah, that makes sense. I remember feeling like I was
falling behind in some subjects, but I was too scared
to ask for help, and then by the time I did,
it was almost too late.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Yeah, that happens to a lot of people. Yeah, but
imagine an AI system that could tell when you're struggling
early on and give you personalized help right when you
need it. Maybe it suggests some resources, connects you with
a tutor, or even just changing the pace of the lesson.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
It's like a personal learning assistant that's always there to
help exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And that could be really empowering for students because it
gives them control over their own learning and it lets
them go at their own speed.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
That's a really amazing idea of what AI could do.
It's not just about making things easier. It's about making
learning more fair and empowering for every student.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
That's what it's all about, and I think AI can
play a big part in that.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
I'm excited to see how all of this changes things.
And thanks for all your insights today. This deep dive
has given me a lot to think about.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
You're welcome, it's been great talking with you.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Before we finish up, there's one more thing I want
to touch on. We haven't talked about. It directly, But
it's been kind of a theme throughout this whole conversation,
and that's the importance of critical thinking, especially in a
world where AI is becoming more common.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Oh yeah, extremely important. We can't just believe everything AI
systems tell us. We need to be able to look
at the information they give us and decide if it
makes sense, see if there's any bias, and understand what
AI can and can't do.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So how do we make sure that students are learning
these critical thinking skills at the same time that they're
learning about technology. Can critical thinking be taught or is
it something you're just born with?
Speaker 3 (19:13):
I think it's a bit of both.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Some people are naturally better at it, yeah, but it's
definitely a skill that can be learned and practiced.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
So what can educators do to help their students learn
to think critically even when they're using AI in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Well, I think it starts with encouraging them to ask questions.
Don't just take the information as it is, look deeper,
question everything, and consider different points of view.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
So it's about not just memorizing facts, but also thinking
about why those facts are important and how they connect
to everything else.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Exactly and AI can actually be helpful with this. You
can use AI powered research tools to help students explore
different perspectives or to analyze data and come up with
their own conclusions.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
That's interesting. So AI can actually be used to encourage
critical thinking, not discourage it, exactly.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
It all comes down to how we use it. If
we just use AI to give students information passively, then yeah,
it could hurt their critical thinking skills. But if we
use it to make learning more interactive and encourage them
to explore, analyze, and debate, then AI can be a
really powerful tool.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
It's all about being intentional, exactly.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
It's not just about throwing technology at the problem. It's
about using it in the smart way to help students
become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and engage citizens.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
I like that this conversation has really shown me how
important it is to find that balance between technology and
humanity and education.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Yeah, it's a tricky balance, but it's one we have
to find if we want to create a future where
technology serves humanity.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
Yeah, and not the other way around.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
I love that technology serving humanity. That's a great way
to think about it. Okay, I think we've covered a
lot today from personalized learning and VR field trips to
the importance of critical thinking and ethics. This deep dive
has been really eye opening.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
Yeah, it has. It's been fun talking about.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
All this and thanks again for all your insights. You've
given us so much to think about.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
You're welcome.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
So as we wrap things up, I want to leave
our listener with one final thought. As AI keeps changing,
what's one question that you think we should all be
asking ourselves about the future of education.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Hmm, that's a good question. I think the most important
question is how can we use AI to create a
learning experience that's more fair, more accessible, and more human
centered for everyone.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
That's a really important question, and I hope it's one
that we'll keep thinking about as we move forward in
this new era of AI.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Me too. The future of learning is up to all
of us.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Thanks for joining us on the deep dive. We hope
you've enjoyed exploring AI and education with us, and until
next time, keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep imagining
what's possible.
Welcome to the deep dive. Today. We're going to be
looking at this article about AI and education. It talks
about some pretty crazy stuff like personalized learning, AI handling
all the paperwork teachers hate, and even VR field trips.
I mean, you're ready to see how AI is going
to be changing things up for students and teachers. I am,
let's dive in.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
It really is an exciting time for all. This AI
has so much potential to make education way more effective
and even fun.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Yeah, and you know what really caught my eye was
the idea of personalized learning. It's basically like, yeah, everyone
gets their own personal tutor for every subject. The article
mentions these adaptive learning systems. What exactly are those?
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Okay, so imagine a system this always keeping track of
your progress. Let's say in math, if you do really
well with al it'll start giving you harder problems. But
let's say you're struggling with fractions, it would give you
extra practice and explanations that are tailored just for you
and gandry. These adaptive learning systems use machine learning, which
is a type of artificial intelligence, to make all these
(01:00):
adjustments in real time.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
WHOA, that's amazing. It's like the system is always learning
about you, and it's changing the lesson plan like as
you go.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
That's exactly it. And you know what, there's evidence that
shows that this actually works. There was this study by Stanford.
They found that students who were using these adaptive learning
platforms in math, their scores were getting better, way faster
than those using you know, the traditional methods.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
Okay, so personalized learning is awesome for students, but what
about the teachers. They already have a million things to do.
Can AI actually like lighten their workloads?
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Absolutely? I mean, think about how much time teachers spend
on grading attendance and just all that paperwork. AI can
automate a.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Lot of that.
Speaker 1 (01:42):
So does that mean no more late nights grading essays?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Well, maybe not completely, but AI can definitely make it
go faster. For example, there are AI systems that can
grade multiple choice tests and even give feedback on essays
and you know, highlight areas where students need to improve.
So then this would free teachers to focus.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
On you know, more interactive and engaging things. Okay, that
sounds really good in theory, but wouldn't that you know,
kind of standardize learning. What about the students that think
outside the box or have a unique way of writing.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
That's a really good point. The goal isn't to replot
teachers or to get rid of creativity, but to give
them the tools that make their jobs easier and lets
them spend more time actually connecting.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
With their students.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
There's still a lot of research going on about how
to intingrade AI into education in a way that doesn't
get rid of that human touch.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Yeah, that makes sense. It's all about finding the right balance, right.
The article also talks about AI helping schools use their
resources better. Can you give an example of that.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Sure, Let's say that a school is suddenly seeing a
lot more students signing up for computer science courses. AI
can look at this trend as well as the data
about teachers and classroom space, and then it can actually
tell the administrators so that they can get the resources
to where they need to be.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
So it's kind of like, oh, they can be prepared
instead of always playing catch up.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
It's about using the data to make better decisions and
you know, ultimately give everyone a better learning experience.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Now, this next part is super interesting, especially with all
the work you've done on global education. The article talks
about AI breaking down language barriers. Can you tell me
more about that.
Speaker 2 (03:23):
Imagine you have a student in rural India who wants
to study astrophysics, but they don't have any English materials.
AI powered translation tools. They can translate textbooks, lectures, even
videos in real time, which you know, opens up a
world of knowledge that was previously out of reach.
Speaker 1 (03:42):
So basically, any student, no matter what country they're in,
could learn from the best teachers and have the best
educational content, regardless of what language they speak.
Speaker 3 (03:51):
That's the goal.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
It's about making education fair and making knowledge open to everyone.
And it's not just about translating words either. AI can
also help with things like cultural context, which make sure
that the information is really understood across different cultures.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
That's incredible. It really feels like we're about to see
a huge change in how education is given and received
all over the world.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
It is.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It's an exciting time to be a part of all
of this.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
And this is just the beginning.
Speaker 1 (04:15):
Okay, now I'm ready for the really futuristic stuff. What's
the deal with these virtual tutors? Is that really a thing?
Speaker 2 (04:22):
It is, and it's getting even more advanced all the time.
Imagine you could have a tutor who's available all the time,
who can answer all your questions, explain those really difficult concepts,
and guide you through practice problems. That's what these AI
powered virtual tutors can do.
Speaker 1 (04:39):
Wait, so let's say I'm struggling with a physics problem
at midnight. A virtual tutor could actually.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Help me exactly. And it's not just that they can
answer your questions. They can also look at how you
learn and change their approach to fit you, So they're.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Like personalized tutors, available whenever and wherever. I can see
how that would be huge, especially for those students who
need a little your help or who learn at a
different pace than.
Speaker 2 (05:02):
Everyone else, and for students in say remote areas, or
students who don't have access to good tutors in person.
Virtual tutors could be a game changer. They can really
level the playing field and make sure that every student
has a chance to succeed.
Speaker 1 (05:16):
That's a good point. We've been talking about all the
cool things about AI, but I'm sure there are some
challenges too, right, What are some things we need to
be aware of as we start using AI and education more.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
That's all a really important question one thing to keep
in mind is making sure everyone has equal access. Just
like AI can break down barriers, it can also create
new ones if we're not careful. We have to make
sure that everyone can use these technologies, no matter their background,
where they live, or any disabilities they might have.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
That's a really important point. Technology shouldn't be another thing
that creates inequality exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
We have to make sure that AI is used to
close the gap and not make it wider.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Okay, so accessibility is key. What else should we be
thinking about?
Speaker 2 (06:02):
Another thing is data privacy. These AI systems collect a
lot of information about students, and it's really important that
this data is protected and used in the right way.
We need to have clear rules and regulations to protect
student privacy and make sure this information isn't misused.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
You're right. Student data is you know, really sensitive and
it has to be handled carefully for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:24):
And then there's also the question of teacher training. As
we start using AI more in education, teachers need to
have the right skills and knowledge to use these tools
well in their classrooms.
Speaker 1 (06:38):
So it's not just about having the technology, it's also
knowing how to actually use it to make learning better exactly.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
And this is something that we'll keep going. As AI
keeps changing, the schools and knowledge teachers need will keep
changing too.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
This is all really fascinating, you know, but I have
to say it's a lot to process. It seems like
AI is already making a big impact on education and
it's only going to get bigger in the future.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That's definitely true, and that's why it's so important to
be having these conversations now. The choices we make today
will affect the future of education for generations.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Well, I'm glad we're having this conversation. This deep dive
has already been really eye opening, and I'm really looking
forward to hearing more about some of the actual examples
of AI and action that you talked about earlier.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
I'm happy to share.
Speaker 2 (07:19):
Are you ready to hear about some truly amazing applications
of AI and education?
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Definitely bring on the amazing thing.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Well, one area that's super exciting is using AI to
predict student outcomes.
Speaker 1 (07:32):
Oh yeah, I remember reading about that in the article.
It honestly sounded kind of like sci fi to me, Like,
how does that even work?
Speaker 2 (07:39):
It all comes down to data. AI can analyze things
like students' grades and attendance, even their engagement in those
online learning platforms, and from that it can identify patterns
that might show that they're at risk of falling behind.
Speaker 1 (07:56):
So it's like an early warning system exactly.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
And having that early warning, let's the educators step in
before it's too late. Maybe the student just needs extra
tutoring or some counseling, or maybe even just a little
more encouragement. The main thing is AI can help figure
out what's needed before the student is really struggling.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
That's really amazing. It's like we can help them before
they even know they need it.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
That's the idea.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
It's all about being proactive and creating a better learning environment.
And there's research this shows that this approach can actually
be really effective. UC Berkeley did a study and they
found that using AI to predict student outcomes led to
a significant drop in the number of students who dropped out,
especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
That's really great to hear. It sounds like AI can
really make a difference in giving every student a chance
to succeed.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
That's what we're hoping for, and honestly, we're just scratching
the surface of what's possible.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Okay, you mentioned some mind blowing applications earlier. Tell me
about those.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Okay, well, how about this AI powered virtual and augmented
reality experience.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
Now that's what I'm talking about. The article talked about this,
and it sounded so cool, like instead of just reading
about the Roman Empire, you could put on a VR headset, yeah,
and actually walk around ancient Rome.
Speaker 3 (09:10):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
That's exactly the kind of thing that AI is making possible.
It's about creating these immersive, really engaging learning environments that
really make the subjects come to life.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I can totally see how that would be way more
effective than just reading a textbook. It would be like
actually being there.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Yeah, exactly. And it's not just history either. Imagine learning
about anatomy by dissecting a virtual frog, or exploring the
human body from the inside out using augmented reality. The
possibilities are pretty much endless.
Speaker 1 (09:44):
Okay, you're right, that's mind blowing. But I have to
ask how accessible is all this technology? Like VR headsets
are pretty expensive, and I know not every school can
afford to have a bunch of them.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
That's a valid concern, and it's one of the challenges
that we're going to have to deal with as these
technology get more popular. But the good news is VR
and AR technology is getting cheaper and there are already
programs out there that are trying to get this technology
into schools and underserved communities.
Speaker 1 (10:10):
That's good to hear. It would be a shame if
only some students had access to these amazing learning opportunities.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2 (10:17):
The goal is to make sure that all students can
use this tech so everyone can benefit from these really
immersive learning experiences.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
This has been a really amazing overview of what AI
can do for education. It feels like we're on the
edge of like a huge change.
Speaker 2 (10:33):
I think we are, and it's a really exciting time
to be a part of this. But like we talked about,
it's important to be thoughtful about all of this and
address the challenges along with all the opportunities.
Speaker 1 (10:44):
Right, we need to make sure that AI is used
to create a better education system for everyone.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Couldn't agree more. And it's a conversation that everyone needs
to be a part of. Educators, policymakers, parents and even
the students themselves.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
You know, it's funny we talk about AI like it's
this apps thing in the future, but it's already affecting
students' lives right now.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
It really is, and I think it's important that we
look at some real world examples of this.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh yeah, do you have any specific stories or examples
of how AI is being used in classrooms today?
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I do.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
For instance, there's a company called dual Lingo. A lot
of people probably know them from their language learning app.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Oh yeah, I've used dual Lingo before to try and
learn some Spanish. It's a great app.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Well, they're doing some really cool things with AI, Like
they developed an AI powered chatbot that helps students practice
having conversations in a safe and supportive environment.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
So it's kind of like having a conversation partner who's
always available and never gets tired of listening to you
mess up exactly.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
And because it's AI, it can adjust to the student's
level and give them personalized feedback.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
That's really cool. What other examples are there?
Speaker 2 (11:51):
Another great example is con Academy. It's a nonprofit that
offers free online educational resources. They're using AI to make
personal learning paths for students, and they recommend videos and
exercises based on each student's strengths and weaknesses.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
So it's like everyone has a curriculum made just for them.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Exactly, and they're also using AI to make interactive exercises
that gives students instant feedback and help them learn things
at their own pace.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
These are really inspiring examples. It's clear that AI is
already making a positive impact on education in really tangible ways.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
It really is, and again, I think this is just
the beginning, you know.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Hearing all these examples makes me think about the role
of teachers in this new AI powered world. Do you
think that AI is going to replace teachers?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Ooh, that's a question that comes up a lot, and
my answer is absolutely not. AI is a tool, a
really powerful tool.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
But it's still just that, yeah, a tool.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
It can definitely make teaching and learning better, but it
can't replace that human element that's so important in education.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
I'm glad to hear that, because I really think there's
something special about the connection between a teacher and a
student that technology just can't replicate.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Teachers brain passion, empathy, creativity, and inspiration to the classroom.
They create a sense of community and encourage students to
love learning, and AI just can't do that.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
So it's not about AI versus teachers. It's about AI
and teachers working together exactly.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
It's about finding ways to use AI in education that
empower teachers and macome better at connecting with her students.
Speaker 1 (13:23):
It makes a lot of sense. It's about using technology
to create a more human centered learning experience.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
I love that, a more human centered learning experience. That's
exactly what it should be about.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
We've talked about how much potential AI has, We've looked
at some real world examples, and we've talked about why
humans are so important. But what about the future. What
are your predictions for how AI is going to keep
shaping education in the future.
Speaker 2 (13:47):
HM. That's a great question. And while we can't know
for sure what will happen, I do think there are
some key trends that will probably shape the future of education.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
Okay, I'm ready for your putions. What do you see happening?
Speaker 2 (14:01):
One trend that I think is going to get even
bigger is personalized learning. As AI gets more advanced, it'll
be able to personalize learning experiences to each student's needs,
interest in learning styles in even more.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
Specific ways.
Speaker 1 (14:16):
So it's like every student will have their own learning
plan that changes as they learn.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
Exactly, and that personalization will go beyond just the lessons themselves.
AI will be able to personalize how fast the students
are learning, the feedback they get, and even the learning
environment itself.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
WHOA, that's amazing. It's like having a personal AI tutor
who knows you better than you know yourself. What other
trends do you see?
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Another trend that I think will be really big is
the rise of lifelong learning. You know, in the past,
education was seen as something you did at school or
university and then it was over. But AI can make
learning a continuous process that's personalized and lasts a lifetime.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
So you're saying that we can keep learning and growing
even after we graduate, exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
And AI will play a big role in this by
recommending courses, connecting people with mentors, and creating personalized learning
pathways that change as our interests and goals change.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
That's really exciting. It's like everyone can keep learning forever.
Speaker 3 (15:16):
I think that's a really good way to put it.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
AI has the potential to make learning possible for everyone,
no matter how old they are, where they live, or
their background.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
Okay, so personalized learning and lifelong learning are two big
trends you see what else is going to shape the
future of education.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Another trend that will be important is focusing on developing
twenty first century skills.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
H What are those? Exactly?
Speaker 2 (15:36):
There are the skills that are really important for succeeding
in today's world, right, like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication,
and creativity.
Speaker 3 (15:46):
Basically the skills that will help.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
Students thrive in a world that's constantly changing, especially with
technology always evolving.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
I see, so how will AI help develop those skills?
Speaker 2 (15:57):
AI can give students chances to practice these skills in
really engaging in interactive ways. For example, there are these
AI powered platforms where students can work together on projects virtually,
they can solve real world problems using simulations, and they
can get feedback on their critical thinking and communication skills.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
So it's not just about memorizing facts anymore. It's about
learning skills that will actually help you succeed exactly.
Speaker 2 (16:20):
And AI can be a really helpful tool in helping
students of all ages learn those skills.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
This has been a really fascinating look into the future.
It's clear that AI is going to keep changing how
we learn and teach.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
Yeah, I think so too, And It's an exciting time
to be a part of all this. But just like
with any new technology, we need to be careful and
thoughtful about how we use AI in education.
Speaker 1 (16:41):
Yeah, for sure, we need to make sure that AI
is used to create a more fair, effective, and human
centered learning experience for all students.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
I couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1 (16:51):
As we're talking about all this, one thing that keeps
coming back to me is AI as a tool for empowerment. Like,
it's not just about making education easier or more efficient,
it's about actually giving students the tools they need to
really take control of their learning and you know, reach
their full potential.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
It's a really important point. Sometimes people worry that AI
is going to make education impersonal, but I actually think
it can make it more personal and more empowering than
ever before.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Oh interesting, can you explain that a bit more? And
curious to hear what you.
Speaker 2 (17:22):
Mean, so think about it right now, education is kind
of a one size fits all model.
Speaker 3 (17:26):
You know.
Speaker 2 (17:26):
Teachers try their best to work with different learning styles
and paces, but when you have a big class, it's
just not possible to personalize everything for every student.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
Yeah, that makes sense. I remember feeling like I was
falling behind in some subjects, but I was too scared
to ask for help, and then by the time I did,
it was almost too late.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Yeah, that happens to a lot of people. Yeah, but
imagine an AI system that could tell when you're struggling
early on and give you personalized help right when you
need it. Maybe it suggests some resources, connects you with
a tutor, or even just changing the pace of the lesson.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
It's like a personal learning assistant that's always there to
help exactly.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
And that could be really empowering for students because it
gives them control over their own learning and it lets
them go at their own speed.
Speaker 1 (18:13):
That's a really amazing idea of what AI could do.
It's not just about making things easier. It's about making
learning more fair and empowering for every student.
Speaker 3 (18:23):
That's what it's all about, and I think AI can
play a big part in that.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
I'm excited to see how all of this changes things.
And thanks for all your insights today. This deep dive
has given me a lot to think about.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
You're welcome, it's been great talking with you.
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Before we finish up, there's one more thing I want
to touch on. We haven't talked about. It directly, But
it's been kind of a theme throughout this whole conversation,
and that's the importance of critical thinking, especially in a
world where AI is becoming more common.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
Oh yeah, extremely important. We can't just believe everything AI
systems tell us. We need to be able to look
at the information they give us and decide if it
makes sense, see if there's any bias, and understand what
AI can and can't do.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So how do we make sure that students are learning
these critical thinking skills at the same time that they're
learning about technology. Can critical thinking be taught or is
it something you're just born with?
Speaker 3 (19:13):
I think it's a bit of both.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Some people are naturally better at it, yeah, but it's
definitely a skill that can be learned and practiced.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
So what can educators do to help their students learn
to think critically even when they're using AI in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
Well, I think it starts with encouraging them to ask questions.
Don't just take the information as it is, look deeper,
question everything, and consider different points of view.
Speaker 1 (19:37):
So it's about not just memorizing facts, but also thinking
about why those facts are important and how they connect
to everything else.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Exactly and AI can actually be helpful with this. You
can use AI powered research tools to help students explore
different perspectives or to analyze data and come up with
their own conclusions.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
That's interesting. So AI can actually be used to encourage
critical thinking, not discourage it, exactly.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
It all comes down to how we use it. If
we just use AI to give students information passively, then yeah,
it could hurt their critical thinking skills. But if we
use it to make learning more interactive and encourage them
to explore, analyze, and debate, then AI can be a
really powerful tool.
Speaker 1 (20:19):
It's all about being intentional, exactly.
Speaker 2 (20:21):
It's not just about throwing technology at the problem. It's
about using it in the smart way to help students
become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and engage citizens.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
I like that this conversation has really shown me how
important it is to find that balance between technology and
humanity and education.
Speaker 2 (20:38):
Yeah, it's a tricky balance, but it's one we have
to find if we want to create a future where
technology serves humanity.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
Yeah, and not the other way around.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
I love that technology serving humanity. That's a great way
to think about it. Okay, I think we've covered a
lot today from personalized learning and VR field trips to
the importance of critical thinking and ethics. This deep dive
has been really eye opening.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
Yeah, it has. It's been fun talking about.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
All this and thanks again for all your insights. You've
given us so much to think about.
Speaker 3 (21:09):
You're welcome.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
So as we wrap things up, I want to leave
our listener with one final thought. As AI keeps changing,
what's one question that you think we should all be
asking ourselves about the future of education.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Hmm, that's a good question. I think the most important
question is how can we use AI to create a
learning experience that's more fair, more accessible, and more human
centered for everyone.
Speaker 1 (21:34):
That's a really important question, and I hope it's one
that we'll keep thinking about as we move forward in
this new era of AI.
Speaker 3 (21:40):
Me too. The future of learning is up to all
of us.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Thanks for joining us on the deep dive. We hope
you've enjoyed exploring AI and education with us, and until
next time, keep learning, keep asking questions, and keep imagining
what's possible.
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