Welcome to this blog where I document my reflections through the semester for ETEC565H: Artificial Intelligence in Education; Using AI to Enhance Learning with Dr. Halimat Alabi
Learning Objectives
- Describe the history and evolution of AI, highlighting significant milestones.
- Define artificial intelligence and relevant key concepts and associated themes (i.e. machine learning, natural language processing, neural networks, data colonialism, surveillance capitalism, and data sovereignty)
- Identify and analyze applications of AI in education (e.g. adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and data-driven personalization)
- Develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and ethical implications of AI tools.
- Discuss the ethical, legal, and sociocultural challenges posed by the use of AI (i.e. issues of privacy, racism, bias, and equity)
- Design an AI-enhanced learning activity, environment, or tool, incorporating principles of instructional design and learner-centered pedagogy.
- Speculate on future developments and potential long-term implications of AI on pedagogy, policy, and practice.
- Engage in forward-thinking discussions about the role of educators in an AI-augmented educational landscape.
Course Reflection
Much of the foundational content of artificial intelligence (AI) that I have was accumulated from the disciplinary courses in my undergraduate degree in Cognitive Systems. At that time, much of the implications of AI felt rather abstract and speculative — now that AI has advanced so rapidly, we are beginning to see the concrete effects on how AI is shaping our everyday lives.
This course has also given us many opportunities to explore various AI tools, and the freedom to use AI-generated content within our coursework so long we cite and reference how we have used it. With the rise of academic integrity concerns when utilizing AI, this course sets a precedent on how AI can be integrated within education, and how useful AI can be, given clear policies within the course.
One important aspect that I really enjoyed and expanded my knowledge greatly was the emphasis on the ethics of AI, specifically surrounding the concerns of equity, diversity, and inclusion, decolonization and anti-racism. We were encouraged to really think of the biases and algorithmic discrimination embedded within the collection, training and analysis of data, especially the effects on the decision-making process when utilizing AI tools. Having taken ETEC565C: Ableism, Equity and Technology previously, this course added another dimension to my understanding of critical theory through a multidisciplinary and intersectional lens.
Keeping up with the readings and the pace at which discussions are happening can be a little challenging, as my peers have a lot to say and are quick to chime in with their bountiful anecdotes and experiences, providing valuable perspective on the applications and real-life experiences of each of them in both personal and professional contexts. As I do not work directly with students at the moment, it was insightful to see how students are currently utilizing AI and the tension points that arise from within educational settings.
I would definitely recommend this course to future MET students, as I believe being informed and aware of the implications of AI utilization in our everyday life is becoming more crucial, especially with the leaps and bounds we are currently making in this field.