Is AI an innovation factor in inclusive education?

Artificial Intelligence is a dynamically evolving technology sector, which is expected to play a key role in the digital transformation of our society. It refers to the ability of a machine (computer, robot) to reproduce a human’s cognitive functions such as learning, design, and creativity. The machines receive data, process them and based on them are led to decision making.

The history of Artificial Intelligence begins in 1950. In recent years, however, the enormous possibilities provided by computers and the internet, combined with the availability of countless data and the creation of new algorithms, have contributed to the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence. We have applications of Artificial Intelligence in various sectors such as health, education, transport and services.

In education, the applications of Artificial Intelligence are expected to change the shape of the educational process in a few decades. The aim of innovative educational methods, such as Artificial Intelligence applications, is to help learners learn more effectively and at the same time to support teachers in teaching the subject. The main features of Artificial Intelligence applications in education are personalized learning, feedback, assessment support, identification of learners at risk of dropping out of school, creation of digital teaching assistants (Chatbots). However, the fact that AI systems in education are fed with teacher and learner data raises ethical concerns and future challenges in data management.

Quality and equitable education is one of the declared goals of sustainable development. The integration of AI in education is called to serve this purpose, so that all learners in all countries share equal opportunities in learning and education.

While AI can give new impetus to the educational process, on the other hand it can widen the existing digital divide, as populations in developing countries and vulnerable groups are likely to be excluded from AI-based education.

Equity, inclusion and fairness should be core values when designing policies to integrate AI into education. Policymakers need to take care of urgent infrastructure projects in developing countries to enable AI in education and close the educational gap between rich and poor learners in the world. At the same time, actions based on past experiences need to be carried out to promote equal access to the internet. Given the future widespread use of AI applications in education, teacher education and training is very important in order to be able to use new technologies effectively.

In this context, they need to acquire new competences related to a clear understanding of how AI applications in education can facilitate the provision of learning. At the same time, it is necessary to equip them with research and data analysis skills so that they can interpret the information provided by AI applications in education and provide students with appropriate feedback.

In order for AI applications in education to become an active part of the educational process, there needs to be continuous communication and dialogue between teachers and the implementing bodies of these applications.