How artificial intelligence is enabling the rise of EdTech

As AI-based applications such as natural language processing (NLP), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning (ML) become increasingly popular, the impact of AI is being felt across industries. The global market for artificial intelligence (AI) software is expected to grow rapidly, touching USD 126 billion by 2025, according to Statista. 

Education is a sector where AI is seeing considerable uptake. The global market for AI in education is expected to touch USD 3.68 billion by 2023, a per a Markets and Markets report. This is hardly surprising given the myriad of applications for AI in the education sector, especially as online education becomes mainstream. Whether it is knowledge delivery or assessment or other tools to enhance the learning experience, the number of use cases is limitless. 

For EdTech companies such as ours, AI opens up a world of new opportunities. 

Customized learning journeys:

Each person has unique interests and motivations when it comes to learning. Traditionally, the educational curriculum has always been highly standardized, primarily because it was practically impossible to personalize it based on individual preferences and capabilities. With AI, it is possible to create custom-tailored learning courses based on observing, interpreting, and predicting the behaviour of the learner. AI makes it possible to identify learning gaps based not only on performance in tests but also on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and classroom behaviour. This personalization can make for a much deeper engagement and focus, and better learning retention. 

Personalized learning journeys can prove especially beneficial to differently-abled and slow learners since they have an opportunity to control the pace of learning and ensure that they are on par in terms of knowledge.

Automated assessments:

Automation technologies not only make it possible to automate the grading of quantitative tests such as multi-choice questions but also make qualitative assessments of essay-based tests. This not only helps considerably free up time spent by teachers on grading and assessments but also eliminates the chance of any inadvertent bias or favouritism. 

In addition, the large volumes of evaluation data can also help understand the overall effectiveness of learning programs at a group level and influence curriculum design. 

AI teaching assistants:

AI-based chatbots in a virtual classroom can act as teachers’ assistants in an online classroom. For instance, they can help clarify basic doubts and reinforce concepts. These AI tutors can also create multiple checkpoints in real-time during the learning journey to help students evaluate their understanding. Given that human teachers have limited bandwidth and cannot be available to their students at all times, AI tools can help bridge that gap. Since these tools can be accessible to students at all times, students have the freedom to approach them at any time to elevate their understanding.

Also, these AI-tutors can flag off any learning gaps to the teachers so that they can take the necessary steps to build all students up to speed. 

Simplifying administrative and non-core tasks:

In addition to automating the grading process which is generally time-consuming for educators, AI tools can also automate tasks that are not core to teaching. For instance, recording student attendance can be handled completely by AI, allowing teachers to focus on their area of expertise – imparting knowledge to students. AI can also help enrolment and admission processes, thereby freeing up more resources. 

As AI evolves, there is an opportunity for educators to completely reimagine the learning journey and create powerful experiences that drive better retention and focus. The future of learning will be around highly tailored personal learning journeys that are closely tied to personal goals and abilities. With the right AI tools, EdTech providers have an opportunity to redefine the future of learning and the culture of education and learning.  

The article has been written by Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO, Simplilearn