Key points
- Overworked teachers could benefit from AI's ability to automate tasks and personalise learning.
- AI can enhance teaching and learning but cannot replace the human connection and creativity of educators.
- The future of education lies in a collaborative approach between humans and AI, where technology supports and complements human expertise.
Think about your favourite teacher from school. The one whose class you actually looked forward to and who sparked curiosity and a love of learning. No doubt it was the way they connected with you and made you feel seen and understood. Maybe they challenged you or believed in you when you were struggling. That human connection, that’s what made them unforgettable.
Now imagine that teacher struggling under the weight of never-ending tasks, with little time for those meaningful interactions with students. That's the harsh reality for many educators in Australia. It's a situation Tasmanian high school teacher Paul Matthews knows all too well.
Could AI be ally in the teacher crisis?
Australian schools are facing a critical teacher shortage, fuelled by a workload that leaves them feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Many teachers, particularly early-career educators, leave the profession within the first few years due to factors such as excessive workload, lack of support and low job satisfaction. This shortage creates a domino effect. Larger class sizes mean less individual attention for students and increased pressure on remaining teachers.
Paul Matthews thinks artificial intelligence (AI) might be able to help. One day, while chatting with a friend at a barbeque, Paul had an “aha moment”. He and his friend wondered whether AI could lift some of the administrative burden off teachers’ shoulders, freeing them up to get to what matters most: connecting with their students.
Paul and his friend created an AI tool specifically designed for educators. It can help tackle tasks like crafting lesson plans, generating quizzes and worksheets and even whipping up personalised emails.
These kinds of AI tools for classrooms could be especially helpful for students with special needs, including those with disabilities or neurodivergence. AI technology is already making waves in this area, with tools like responsive music programs, voice-activated interfaces for non-verbal students, and software that can rewrite text or adapt classroom activities to different reading levels.
Paul said he’s seen students come alive with materials that are suited to them.
“A student that’s been 3 or 4 grades behind for five years and finally, they're able to have resources that are tailored to their level. It's a beautiful thing. It's a magical thing. It's something we wouldn't have without artificial intelligence,” Paul said.
AI: A double-edged sword?
A recent survey by Atomi, an Aussie education tech company, found that while 85 per cent of teachers don't believe AI will steal their jobs, 60 per cent are worried about the ethical implications of AI in education. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 58 per cent of teachers saw a jump in student engagement when AI was integrated into lessons.
This cautious optimism is mirrored by the Australian Government Department of Education, which launched a national framework for incorporating AI into schools. The framework suggests that AI could be a powerful tool to enhance education, rather than replacing teachers.
AI in higher education
AI’s impact also extends to higher education. Researchers like Dragan Gasevic at Monash University are exploring how AI can support student learning at the university level.
Dragan and his team have developed an AI-powered system that analyses students' digital footprints to gain insights into their learning behaviours. By tracking factors like time spent on specific tasks, engagement with learning materials and patterns of interaction, the AI can identify students who may be struggling or at risk of dropping out.
Once these students are identified, the AI can provide personalised support, such as tailored recommendations or targeted feedback. For example, if a student is struggling with a particular concept, the AI might suggest additional resources or schedule a virtual tutoring session.
Tech and teachers: partners in education
The human connection between teacher and student will always be irreplaceable. But perhaps AI has a role in freeing teachers up to focus on what they do best. As with any application of AI, time will tell if it improves education or not. But no single technology fix will solve the education crisis on its own.
We also need to consider how AI will impact how students learn. We must ensure it doesn’t stifle the development of skills like creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking. After all, these are the very things that make us human.
To hear more from Paul Matthews, Dragan Gasevic and other experts as they delve into the possibilities and challenges of AI in education, tune in to episode 2 of CSIRO's Everyday AI podcast hosted by our AI expert, Jon Whittle.