We still remember those days when libraries used to be the only way to access resources required for learning, be it during schools or colleges. However, the scenario over the last two decades has changed and now the access to all teaching and learning resources is a click away.

The usage of technology in education has revolutionized education systems with better reach and improved execution. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) defined educational technology as “the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources”. It denoted instructional technology as “the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning.”

The pandemic imposed online delivery of classes and technology has played a critical role in that. The current situation seems that the best way for education, for now, is online, and hence it is vital to fine-tune online education further. 

AI will be an enabler in improving online education. It can catalyze the online education market in India, which is poised to reach USD 1.96 billion in 2021. The role of teachers in education systems is irreplaceable; however, AI will aid and improve a teacher’s job. AI is expected to fill the gaps in learning and teaching methodology and delivery. With the help of AI, students can get personalized curriculum, tests, learning methods and delivery. This otherwise had been a challenge for teachers as managing and providing teaching that suits every student’s specific needs was nearly impossible.

According to Business Today, by 2024, 47% of learning management tools will be AI-enabled. Also, AI in the education industry is expected to reach a CAGR of 40.3% between 2019-25.

Many Indian EdTech companies are developing AI-enabled intelligent instruction design and digital platforms to provide learning, testing, tutoring to students. Indian startup SpeEdLabs has developed a platform for hybrid learning where AI-based adaptive learning is complementing the lecture methodology. The idea is to allow students to practice at their own pace while identifying the gaps in their learning & knowledge and addressing them.

According to Mr Vivek Varshney, Founder SpeEdLabs, “We need to shift from the one size fits all methodology in education, that has been prevalent for almost a century to a more rich and personal experience. We are combining the values of professional educator’s experience with artificial intelligence to come up with the best possible solution to improve the conceptual understanding and academic performance of each student.”

The platform provides AI-based adaptive practice, analytical dashboard, personalized improvement plan, and recommendation engine. Based on students activities, strengths and weaknesses during the learning process on the platform, an AI-powered individualized improvement plan is generated that helps bridge the gap between the student and the teacher. In addition, SpeEdLabs is curating and customizing content as per the student’s learning curve through personalized content and performance tracking through the portal.

With AI-based education solutions, we will soon be able to read students’ expressions using facial recognition to understand when and where they are struggling and later customize and modify the lessons based on their specific needs.

The usage of artificial intelligence is leading to the automation of administrative tasks, and this will enable teachers to utilize time effectively. This would help improve the quality of education and make it reach a large population in the form of smart content. Digital lessons in the form of digital textbooks and study guides can be created, which aims to improve engagement.

AI is all set to redesign and reinvent the education sector. The combination of teachers’ expertise and the best of machines will shape the future of education and the whole concept of learning. AI will make it possible for teachers to understand their students better and leave behind the conventional old school teaching and learning styles. Another big advantage we see in AI-based education is the fact that that we are exposing the students to this technology at a very early stage which will spark innovation, ideas and knowledge about this magnificent technology in their curious young minds.

With inputs from Nibedita Saha