Artificial Intelligence in Education: Personalized Learning and EdTech

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across multitudes of industries, and education is no exception. Its utilisation and adoption have surged over the past few years among educational institutes, especially after rapid digitalization in the sector. According to a report by Allied Market Research, AI in the education market stood at USD 2.5 billion in 2022, which is further anticipated to reach USD 88.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 43.3%. Hence, this showcases that AI and its associated technologies, including machine learning (ML), deep learning, natural language processing, and more, are reshaping education and catering to the individualised needs, preferences, and learning styles of students. Let us delve into some of the ways AI is used to deliver personalised education.

Adaptive learning systems

The most common way of leveraging data for personalisation is with adaptive learning systems. These software programs utilise the power of AI algorithms and data to optimise the content, difficulty, and pace of the learning. These optimisations take place on the basis of the learner’s performance, behaviour, and preferences. As a result, the adaptive learning system can recommend the most appropriate learning material, assessments, and activities that resonate more with the students. Moreover, the system can also be used to track the progress of the learner and generate a report that can be beneficial for the learners and tutors.

Intelligent tutoring systems

Another application of AI in education and ed-tech can be intelligent tutoring systems that can simulate the role of a human tutor. The primary advantage this system can deliver is by providing one-on-one or small-group instruction and guidance to the students. On the basis of learning patterns, the intelligent learning system can comprehend the strengths and weaknesses of an individual while also personalising the content accordingly. Moreover, the system can be trained to engage the learner in interactive sessions and conversational scenarios with the help of NLP and speech recognition. It can further allow the collaboration of other intelligent agents, such as peers, mentors, and experts, to foster a supportive learning environment.

Chatbots and virtual assistants

As a critical use case of AI, chatbots have already been used in several industries owing to their ability to provide personalised experiences without any human intervention. Gartner has already predicted that by 2027, chatbots will become the primary customer service channel. However, AI-powered chatbots also have a significant use in the education industry. These virtual assistants use NLP and voice generation to communicate through voice and text. It can answer a particular educational query, deliver information on a subject, and offer advice on various topics. An AI education chatbot can also help students manage their learning tasks, such as planning, scheduling, organising, and more. Finally, it can also provide prompts and reminders to learners so that they do not miss any lessons.

All things considered

Thanks to technological advancements, learners can now get tailored education on the basis of their individual needs, preferences, and goals. Cutting-edge technologies such as AI have a significant role in delivering this personalisation. With the help of adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-powered chatbots, it has become easier for students to learn a subject at their own pace and get a quality and personalised education. Going forward, we will experience more innovations in AI technology, which will enable more ways to deliver exceptional education and personalised experiences, resulting in an enhancement of the overall education system.