AI: Catalyst for Personalized Education

Today my AI asked me how I like to see my information presented. It was a welcomed question, but I had no answer. I was unsure. "

"I don't know." I typed.

Undeterred the AI asked me to pick between a few formats determined to better my learning, and it did. We are communicating much better. I have never had a better educator and something that even the best teachers can't achieve. Not because teachers don’t care or don’t want to change their learning to match my style, but how would they they do it? How can they offer Jimmy a diagram and Sally a book at the exact same time? How could they be expected to create 12 different lessons for one class period?  That can’t!

But a personalized AI can and is.

Artificial intelligence in education is often quoted by the media as the enemy and I can understand why. Used incorrectly, students can take shortcuts in their learning. But the walls universities are trying to put up of fire (aka firewalls) ain't going to cut it. There is no putting AI back into the box it came from. Artificial intelligence is going nowhere and is a SKILL that will be required moving forward. It would be comical to say that this technology will not be part of every single graduate's future, but yet, many have never even logged on. 

So instead of fearing AI and pushing it out of the classroom, we should be embracing it as a partner that can make us educators more effective. For example, I have been using AI to create customized visuals to accompany all of my words. No longer do I need to worry about copyright, I create my own visuals that match my words immediately. 

The capabilities of AI extend beyond just visuals. It offers a unique opportunity to provide a tailored educational experience that adapts to the individual learning styles of each student. Imagine a classroom where AI can instantly generate a video explanation for a visual learner, a podcast for an auditory learner, and an interactive simulation for a kinesthetic learner. This is the potential of AI in education, transforming it from a one-size-fits-all approach to a multifaceted, personalized learning journey.

Furthermore, AI can analyze vast amounts of data on student performance in real-time, allowing educators to pinpoint where a student might be struggling and provide targeted interventions at the right moment. This is a level of individual attention that can be hard to achieve in traditional educational settings due to time constraints and the diverse needs of students.

However, the integration of AI into education requires a thoughtful approach. We must ensure that it is used ethically, with a focus on enhancing the educational experience, rather than replacing the human touch that is so vital. Educators are not just transmitters of knowledge; they are mentors, guides, and supporters of their students. AI should support, not supplant, the role of the teacher.

As we move forward, professional development for educators will be key. Training teachers to utilize AI tools effectively will empower them to be more efficient and innovative in their teaching methods. By embracing AI, educators can not only improve learning outcomes but also reignite their passion for teaching by reducing mundane tasks and focusing more on the creative aspects of their profession.

The question isn't whether AI will be a part of education, but rather how we will use it to its fullest potential. By embracing AI as a tool for customization and support, we can transform educational environments and provide all students with the personalized learning experiences they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Let's not shy away from this opportunity to redefine what it means to educate, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.

My motto for the next generation of education policy: Leverage technology to DOUBLE DOWN on community/ experience. In person learning and experiences are still very much important and can be the focus. Educators can focus on what matters most, experience.