As schools reopen in earnest, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and what it brings to the table has become a hot topic for many.
And while there are some cases where AI is not being used properly, such as plagiarism, fraud, and falsification of information, there are still many positive uses and practical applications for this cutting-edge tool. Especially when put into the hands of teachers and administrators who find many ways to utilize this tool to save time and resources and improve the overall educational experience. It happens.
Enabling more personalized learning
AI should not be used to create lesson plans for an entire class, but can be used as a resource to help teachers better engage with students and personalize the learning experience.
AI-powered platforms like Microsoft Copilot for Education allow teachers to quickly analyze student strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Teachers can also use AI to create comprehension questions tailored to students’ needs and generate modules and instructions for their classes based on subject, grade level, and learning goals.
AI leverages all of these inputs to ultimately help teachers create customized learning plans, content, and recommendations for students. And AI leveraged in this way over the past year has yielded very positive results. In fact, 75% of teachers report that adopting AI technology has improved their learning outcomes.
Automate grading and evaluation
According to a recent study from Merrimack College, the average teacher spends about five hours each week just grading assignments and providing feedback on student work. In an average 36-week school year, that’s 180 extra hours of work. And that doesn’t even include other tasks that teachers have to perform in between, such as creating lesson plans, assessing student understanding, facilitating classroom activities, and performing administrative duties.
However, AI can help address this time crisis. By offloading repeatable tasks to AI, such as grading assignments and exams, teachers save valuable time so they can focus on interactive instruction and supporting students.
Improving management efficiency
However, AI is not only useful for educational operations, but also for management and educational leadership. AI can help reduce the administrative burden on school staff and use resources more efficiently by streamlining administrative tasks such as scheduling, tracking attendance, and resource management.
Educational leaders can let AI do more than manage day-to-day tasks. AI can help leaders develop policies, make better decisions based on data, monitor outcomes, and even provide ideas to improve faculty development.
Language translation and accessibility
This tool is not only useful for administration, but also for professional teachers when teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) students and students with other accessibility needs.
AI-powered translation tools transcend language barriers and make learning materials more accessible to non-native speakers. Additionally, AI can provide assistive technologies such as text-to-speech and text-to-speech applications to students with disabilities.
Microsoft’s suite of AI-powered solutions also plays a key role in promoting these types of inclusive and equitable learning environments. Students can access tools like Copilot and Learning Accelerators at no additional cost as long as they use a school-issued Microsoft account and meet the required age criteria. This commitment to accessibility allows all students, regardless of background, ability, or financial means, to take advantage of cutting-edge technology to enhance the quality of their education.
data privacy
Finally, one of the biggest benefits that AI brings to the learning experience is the need for an additional layer of data privacy and security. Many AI applications are data-driven and utilize machine learning to adapt and deliver the personalized experiences described above. As a result, many school districts are reevaluating and improving their data security and privacy policies to ensure that these insights can be used responsibly and ethically.
Protecting the privacy of this data is critical to preventing breaches that could jeopardize student and educator privacy, as well as the institution’s reputation. This data privacy improvement will ensure that individuals have control over the collection, use, and sharing of their personal data.
Are you ready to revolutionize education with AI?
TD SYNNEX and Microsoft can help you make the right choice for your school district. To learn more about AI in education and how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can improve the educational experience for everyone, visit TD SYNNEX’s Microsoft Education website (https://content.tdsynnex.com/business/microsoft /education/main.aspx).
