New race in AI education, increased concern about impact on children (symbolic picture)
New York Times, New York. Initiatives are being taken all over the world regarding the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the education sector, but concerns are also increasing about its possible harm to children. Under the leadership of America's big tech companies, many countries are moving towards adopting AI tools in schools and universities.
In early November, Microsoft announced it would provide AI tools and training to more than two million students and teachers in the UAE. A few days later, a financial services company in Kazakhstan announced an agreement with OpenAI to provide 'ChatGPT Edu' to 1.65 lakh teachers.
At the same time, Elon Musk's company But children and health organizations say that using AI without proper guidelines can weaken children's thinking ability.
A recent study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University has found that excessive use of popular AI chatbots can weaken people's thinking ability. AI bots sometimes even give wrong information that appears reliable. At the same time, many teachers are facing the increasing problem of cheating by students with the help of AI.
Organizations like UNICEF have cautioned against including AI curriculum in schools. UNICEF's digital policy expert Steven Vosloo says that the use of AI systems without proper guidance can gradually reduce the skills of students and teachers. Some countries are trying to adopt a balanced path.
Estonia has launched a national initiative called 'AI Leap', teaching students and teachers the benefits, limitations and risks of AI. Teachers in Iceland are also using AI tools, but these have been limited for students.
Experts say that AI can be helpful in education, but implementing it without thinking can prove to be harmful for future generations.