Technology-Enhanced Learning: The Role of AI in Education

The rapid evolution of technology over the past decade has brought about changes in numerous aspects of our lives, and education is no exception. Technologies used for education have significantly increased, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of the major contributors to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching today.

The e-learning market was valued at USD 399.3 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at 14% CAGR between 2023 and 2032.* “Online” has become the buzzword now, and it has opened different vistas of learning to students across regions, transforming how education is delivered and accessed. Technology-enhanced learning has made the whole educational experience easier by making learning more interactive, accessible and personalised. The usage of various AI tools has contributed to a significant shift in the way we teach and learn, offering new opportunities and discovering new challenges.

Exploring usages of AI in education 

1) Personalised learning experiences 

AI in education can help educators understand individual student performances, learning styles, and methods and tailor the content to suit them. This personalisation helps students to adapt, learn at their own pace and focus on areas of improvement. Tools like D2L Lumi, a new AI-powered feature by D2L®, help enhance the learning experience for a widespread audience by providing a comprehensive suite of tools that support various teaching and learning styles. The customisation options help enable educators to design engaging and effective learning environments.

2) Intelligent tutoring systemsIntelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) give the ability to provide students with personalised learning experiences that cater to their unique learning styles and preferences. AI can automate the grading of assignments and exams, reducing the workload for educators and providing more timely feedback to students.  D2L Lumi for Educators helps in faster content creation – saving time and effort , ensuring inclusive and interactive learning.

Large datasets from student interactions and performance can be analysed to provide insights into learning patterns and outcomes. Educators can, in turn, use this information to identify trends, improve teaching strategies and address educational inequities.

3) Using gamification for better understanding AI-powered educational games and simulations make learning more engaging and interactive. There can be enhanced virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, offering immersive learning environments that can simulate real-world scenarios. For example, D2L Brightspace, a learning management system,  uses different modes like funster , activity etc  (depending on their ages), to make earning fun and easy across ages.

4)  Language translation and accessibility

AI-driven translation tools help break down language barriers, making educational content accessible to non-native speakers and students from different backgrounds and regions.

Also, AI can provide real-time transcription and translation for students with disabilities, such as those with hearing impairments. D2L Lumi for learning is one such tool which helps in improving achievement, gives access to individual feedback and thereby increases learning efficiency.

5)  Administrative efficiency

AI can help streamline administrative tasks such as scheduling, enrolment and resource allocation. By automating these processes, educational institutions can focus more on teaching and learning. AI tools can assist teachers with lesson planning, resource creation, and identifying students who may need more support. D2L Lumi for course authors, helps in automatically generating content for practice questions, and integrate testing too. D2L Brightspace, which advocates K-12 blended learning in the classroom, simplifies workflows like communication, attendance and many administrative steps, ensuring you to focus the educators time on the students.  AI can also facilitate professional development by recommending training and resources based on a teacher’s needs and interests, leading to a culture of continuous learning.

In summary, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the learning experience by providing personalised support, improving engagement and making administrative tasks more efficient. However, it’s essential to navigate these advancements thoughtfully to ensure that technology serves all learners equitably and ethically.

* E-learning Market Trends 2023 – 2032, Global Report (gminsights.com)