AI is slowly being seen as less of an unknown now that educators are able to see more examples of it working in practise. More research is now being published on its effects on learning outcomes since many researchers have been able to test their hypotheses in a classroom context. Education is longitudinal in nature though so we won’t be able to see the full impact of AI in Education for another few years yet. However, current research and studies are helping us learn how best to apply this new technology
Recent research on AI-driven feedback in K-12 education highlights its potential to significantly enhance student learning outcomes. Studies show that AI-generated feedback can match or surpass the effectiveness of traditional teacher feedback by providing personalized, immediate, and scalable input that is not feasible for teachers to deliver consistently across large classes.
AI tools, utilizing advanced machine learning and natural language processing technologies, are particularly effective in environments where timely and specific feedback can dramatically improve student performance. For instance, AI-powered writing evaluation tools have demonstrated improvements in students' writing fluency and accuracy by offering instant corrections and suggestions for enhancement.
The integration of AI in educational feedback systems not only boosts academic performance but also significantly increases student engagement. The ability of AI to deliver instant feedback allows students to correct misunderstandings in real time, reinforcing learning and keeping students engaged. Moreover, AI's capacity for personalization helps meet students at their level, encouraging independent problem-solving skills and greater educational resilience.
The constant availability of AI tools offers students the support they need outside of classroom hours, further fostering a learning environment that motivates and engages. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in augmenting traditional teaching methods promises to become an essential asset in modern education, making learning more tailored and accessible to every student.
So, if we already have evidence that AI is enhancing feedback in education, when should we be implementing AI? Obviously this should always be down to the discretion of the educator as the expert of their own context. But in general it’s important to consider to what level the student needs their feedback i.e. mechanical, rhetorical or conceptual/contextual. As well as considering the need for human interaction in learning, especially to provide motivation and engagement. No doubt our learners would prefer a lively conversation on the multiple perspectives one can take on specific literature as compared to a text back and forth with AI.
Worldwide schools are already integrating AI into their practice. We currently work with the Singapore Ministry of Education and have been available to all schools in Singapore for years already. This isn’t a call to rush to AI implementation because you might be feeling ‘left behind’. In fact that would be a terrible motivator and will land you holding EdTech tools that may not suit your scenario best. But I hope that knowing many other institutions have been using AI for a while might make it seem less scary, less unknown.
Those in schools who have remit over Education Technology, Teaching & Learning and professional development are the ones who will most likely need to get a handle on the impact of AI in Education. This isn’t to excuse teachers from coming to learn about new technology that could enhance their practise. However, it is the responsibility of these leaders to find partners in AI who will legitimately take joint ownership for professionally developing their staff with AI. Ultimately the partnership between these individuals and your EdTech providers will be the deciding factor on the success of implementation.
So how should you go about utilising AI within education? Obviously I’m biased. So to be up front, you can always reach out to us and we would love to show you how we can elevate your student writing skills using AI. Equally we invest a lot of our time and resources into our onboarding programs to ensure you have optimal use of our platform in the first 90 days. But now to be a little less biased. I encourage you to think about the vision for your school. Focus on what you are aiming to achieve pedagogically, and then investigate directories to find AI tools that can assist you in your Journey.
References and Further Reading