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| Can artificial intelligence modernize teaching methods from the "Victorian era |
In a classroom of 30 students, not all students can learn in the same way, and the teacher does not have the time to teach them all differently. But artificial intelligence can do this, as it is being used across East England to modernize education and make it a personalized experience for each student. The goal is to ensure that no child is left behind and to make learning engaging and appealing, but how can teachers ensure that technology is not misused?
In an external building at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, there is an XR virtual reality laboratory. This futuristic-designed capsule, costing two million pounds and built using government funding, uses artificial intelligence to create three-dimensional virtual worlds that students can access through headsets or tablets, immersing them in the subjects they are studying. It also turns the curriculum into something akin to a game to engage the students.
This virtual learning capsule is a source of pride for Nicos Savvas, the CEO of the Eastern Education Group that runs several schools in the region.
Savvas said, "We are teaching in an old-fashioned way that only suits the minority. We need to get out of the Victorian era. Why can't learning be fun?"
Savvas believes that most people learn better through experience.
"We've tried this with primary school children. They were traditionally taught about ancient Egypt and then asked to write about it.
"Afterward, they were given a headset that allowed them to walk through the pyramids in a virtual world. You should have heard their shouts of joy.
"When they wrote about Egypt the second time, the difference was incredible."
Technology is used in many subjects, for example, engineering students can meet in a virtual room and work together to build an airplane engine.
Tom Lloyd, who runs the laboratory, says, "This gives them the confidence and experience before working with the real parts, which are expensive and may be difficult to access."
But is there a risk of students, who already live in a screen-dependent society, being overly immersed in the virtual world? Savvas believes that if learning technology is used correctly, the answer is "no."
"We ensure a balance between classroom learning, outdoor learning, and virtual learning, which protects mental health," he says.
Only a few places in the country have virtual learning facilities like this, and Savas hopes that the experiments he is conducting will allow others to follow suit.
However, AI does not have to be this expensive to be beneficial.
The Bedford College Group uses AI across its sites in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire to help GCSE students with math and English.
They work on computers through a series of teacher-assigned tutorials. AI analyzes how they answer questions, identifies areas where they struggle, and personalizes the learning experience by giving them more practice.
"I love it," says student Alexandra Palough, 18. "My grammar was really bad at first, but now I have confidence in class and in my assignments. It made me realize what I'm capable of."
Mahidur Chowdhury, 18, also praises the program. "I use it to practice compound interest," he says. "It's good because you can keep trying until you get it."
The AI program is mainly used for homework, and Nina Sharpe, deputy headteacher, says it's getting results.
"The grades of students who used Century Tech were 5% higher in math and 10% higher in English," she said.
Increasingly, staff are also using AI to plan lessons.
Ben Lewis, head of the esports course at West Suffolk College, said most teachers plan lessons in their own time.
"It can take hours and adds to an already heavy workload," he says. "AI programs can plan a lesson in minutes."
"We have to check it and edit it, but it takes a lot less time than planning from scratch."
Teachers understand that this technology can be misused, as some students ask artificial intelligence to write entire articles for them.
Luis said, "We need to teach students how to use artificial intelligence responsibly." "I tell them: Use it, just as you use me." "Ask it questions for research, but don't expect it to do the work for you."
The school is creating an artificial intelligence council, which will review the work of anyone believed to have excessively relied on the technology.
Students will be required to provide evidence that convinces teachers they understand the course material, and across the region, teachers feel this process will become more common.
Teachers accept that artificial intelligence is here to stay, and the challenge lies in harnessing its potential while avoiding its risks.
The Ministry of Education is still investigating how artificial intelligence can change learning and teaching to develop future policy.
Education Minister Gillian Keegan said, "It's important that we find the right approach to dealing with this matter."
"It is encouraging that many education experts are already seeing the tangible benefits of artificial intelligence, while remaining vigilant about its risks."
AI is transforming education in East England, personalizing learning and boosting engagement.
Personalized Learning
AI tailors lessons to individual student needs, ensuring they progress at their own pace.
Engaging Experiences
VR technology immerses students in subjects like history, making learning interactive and enjoyable.
Improved Results
AI-powered programs lead to better grades in subjects like math and English.
Teacher Support
AI automates tasks like lesson planning, freeing up time for teachers to interact with students.
Balanced Approach
Educators emphasize balancing virtual learning with traditional methods and outdoor activities to protect students' mental health.
Ethical Use
Schools are teaching responsible AI use, encouraging research but discouraging shortcuts.
Future of Education
The government is actively researching how AI can best improve teaching and learning.
This article highlights AI's potential to revolutionize education, emphasizing the need for careful planning and responsible use to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
