Credit: Jonathan Kemper/Unsplash
ChatGPT and its powerful capacity to generate original text has taken the education sector by surprise. Not only are universities hurrying to adapt to it, schools are also grappling with this new technology.
NSW and most other states blocked the tool in public schools, to protect students from possible misinformation and curb cheating. But South Australia has allowed use of ChatGPT, in part so students can better learn and understand the potential and risks of artificial intelligence.
The range of responses to ChatGPT shows how education has yet to figure out the best way to use such tools.
ChatGPT is also just the latest example of technology coming into classrooms. Education technology (or “edtech)” is a common—and rapidly growing—part of day-to-day learning. But we need to understand it better.
The global edtech market is estimated to be worth about US$300 billion (A$432 billion). More than one billion students globally are expected to use edtech by 2025. Google and Microsoft are major players, but investment is also increasingly fueled by China, India and the European Union.
Edtech includes teaching support platforms, with sample lesson plans, tasks, games and tests. It also includes AI-backed personalized learning tools to help with math, literacy and other school subjects. As of 2019, Australian teachers were using an estimated 250 different types of edtech, although there is no reliable number of how many use AI.
2023-02-16 13:00:04
Article from phys.org
The introduction of a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot by technology firm, ChatGPT, has reinvigorated the need for improved technology education in Australian schools. With AI rapidly changing the way in which industries function, and more Australians turning to AI-powered devices and services, the need for technology education in schools is becoming more evident.
AI-powered devices, such as ChatGPT, allow users to converse with a virtual assistant in natural language. This is in contrast to traditional computer-based online chat requests, where input was limited to the selection from a specific set of keywords. As AI technology continues to become increasingly sophisticated, these devices can now understand the intent and context of a user’s questions and provide helpful and informative answers.
There are a range of benefits associated with the implementation of technology education in Australian schools. For example, such education would enable students to increase their knowledge and understanding of the current and emerging AI technologies, and thereby be more competitive in the industry. By developing an understanding of industry-standard technologies, such as natural language processing, artificial neural networks, and machine learning, students would have the necessary skills to develop solutions powered by AI.
In addition, the introduction of technology education into schools would help to reduce the skills gap between industry needs and the Australian educational system. Such a gap exists due to the lack of adequate technology education in the school system, which has seen many industries become over-reliant on outsourcing solutions to foreign service providers. Technology education in schools would help to cultivate a more educated and intelligent workforce in Australia, thereby providing a stronger base for the growth of innovative businesses.
Furthermore, such education can help to create a brighter future for Australia’s young people. By equipping them with the skills to develop and implement AI solutions, students would be more likely to pursue careers related to technology, which can provide enhanced job security and career opportunities.
In conclusion, AI-powered devices, such as ChatGPT, have highlighted the need for improved technology education in Australian schools. Adequate technology education would allow students to develop an understanding of industry-standard technologies and therefore be able to create AI solutions. Furthermore, such education would help to reduce the skills gap between industry needs and the Australian educational system, while also providing a brighter future for Australia’s young people.
