ICBSS Webinar
The use of Artificial Intelligence in Education: friend or foe?
Wednesday 22 May 2024 | 11 – 1pm EEST
Press-Release | Video
About the webinar
On 22 May 2024, the International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) successfully organised the Webinar "The use of Artificial Intelligence in Education: friend or foe?", held online.
Under the moderation of Mr. Stavros KALOGNOMOS, Executive Secretary of the CPMR Balkan and Black Sea Commission, panellists Dr. Funda ALPTEKIN and Prof. Dr. Ömer DELIALIOĞLU of Middle East Technical University (Türkiye) and Mr. Prodromos MARKOPOULOS Education Manager at Eduk8 (Greece) discussed the advantages and emerging challenges from the increasing use of AI in education.
The panellists acknowledged the importance of AI tools for improving the educational processes for both professionals and students, however, they raised concerns on the emerging risks from the uncritical overreliance to AI tools, especially for students. As highlighted by speakers, it is essential for students to stay cognitively engaged and be guided towards less automated research approaches. At the same time, the ethical aspects and the existing biases of information are placed high in the agenda of AI risks and should be regulated at policy level.
Contributing to the discussion, ICBSS Junior Project Manager, Ms. Elpida Besi, presented the initial results from the online survey on the use of AI, conducted by ICBSS. While 60% of respondents have used an AI tool to facilitate the work, they raised concerns on plagiarism, reduced human interaction and cognitive limitations, as well as, on potential staff displacement by the AI and inequalities in AI access. Most respondents (80%) noted the need for students to be comprehensively educated about the ethical use of AI to make AI an enemy rather that a foe for learning processes.
AI is only going to get more powerful, probably in more ways than currently expected, both positive and negative. Given the rapidly increasing integration of AI in educational processes, this webinar aimed to enter the debate on the beneficial use of AI tools in education by both professionals and students, in contrast to emerging risks.
Representatives from academia and business discussed the added value of AI technologies in education, and brought forth gaps and other social implications that arise from the use of AI in the sector.
Context
Overall, AI is incredibly useful in education. AI's potential to revolutionize teaching methods and improve efficiency makes it a valuable tool in the education sector. It can enhance personalized learning experiences, automate administrative tasks, provide additional support to students, analyze data for improvements, and increase accessibility to education for all students.
There are risks associated with using AI in education, such as: Data Privacy Concerns; Bias and Fairness; Overreliance - There is a risk of overreliance on AI systems, which may hinder critical thinking and human interaction in the learning process; Job Displacement; Lack of Transparency. The use of AI can potentially contribute to social disparities if not implemented thoughtfully.
It is essential to address these risks proactively by implementing policies, regulations, and ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible use of AI in education. Addressing these issues requires careful consideration, ethical oversight, and proactive measures to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a way that promotes fairness, inclusivity, and societal benefit.
--DISCLAIMER: The above text was generated by the AI tool, PopAi.
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