Contemporary tutoring norms require educators to constantly strive to improve their professional skills and maintain their knowledge’s relevance. The recent developments in artificial intelligence technologies and digitalization have presented a broad range of potential applications of AI-based systems in education which are covered in the article “How ‘Intelligent’ Tutors Could Transform Teaching” (Sparks). Advanced technological solutions such as artificially Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) may significantly impact the educational system in the near future (Sparks). The increasing complexity and prevalence of digital technologies require a steady flow of competent and skillful workforce. Many scholars and experts believe that teachers must be prepared to use such advanced solutions in the educational process while simultaneously preparing their students for careers in the technologically-developed environment of the near future (Sparks). The article by Sparks studies the development and possible impact of artificially intelligent tutoring systems on the educational system. The author discusses the topic in detail with experts to uncover different aspects of the issue, including the role of a teacher and the student’s perception and how AI-based solutions can impact educational system.
Artificial intelligence technologies have a significant impact on different aspects of everyday life. Sparks focuses mainly on the educational system through the advent and active development of artificially intelligent tutoring systems like Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) and Cognitive Tutor. These solutions are designed primarily to optimize the teaching and learning process and introduce new dimensions into student-teacher interactions. Introducing digitalized high-tech solutions into learning environments can facilitate the students’ engagement with relevant skills (Sparks). These skills, coupled with the contemporary approach to education, change the students’ learning paradigm and potentially improve their chances for employment in the future. According to experts, ITS personalized approach to each student through collecting and processing their academic data, coupled with their efficiency and high flexibility, helps provide the most efficient teaching course (Sparks). However, some scholars argue for the essential role of teachers even with the introduction of ITS.
Though ITS are unlikely to take over teaching jobs completely, they can potentially cover certain aspects of the education process that can be automated. Those include grading, covering the same topics in lectures multiple times, and partial academic data processing (Sparks). However, training is required for educators to incorporate such systems into their practice efficiently, and developers should address the issue of compatibility and accessibility for teachers. Similar solutions are also utilized in other, more specialized areas. Notably, experts in the fields like healthcare diagnostics and medical training tend to address AI as a tool for augmenting teachers and practitioners rather than replacing them (Sparks). Carefully integrating ITS into the educational process can potentially yield significant positive professional and academic results for teachers and learners.
Currently, artificially intelligent tutoring systems are undergoing rapid development and are being incorporated into the educational process in different contexts. The recent changes in the global educational system due to the COVID-19 pandemic potentially present the possibility for further research and implementation of high-tech AI-based solutions into learning environments. While ITS take on the roles of lecturers and administrators, teachers can shift more towards the positions of facilitators. Though the positive effects of these systems are evident in the numerous practical applications, the issue of determining the degree of involvement and the nature of interactions between teachers and ITS remains open.
Works Cited
Sparks, Sarah D. “How ‘Intelligent’ Tutors Could Transform Teaching.” Education Week, Web.