As artificial intelligence (AI) ramps up and we settle into a new norm of having a personal assistant for everything our lives will slowly change.
What knowledge is important and valuable? What knowledge can we let die with this generation? These discussions may become commonplace as the expertise required to accomplish different tasks is slowly reduced. Simply put, things will become easier. How will this affect the education field? Is easier always better?
To put this in context, AI can finally solve the 2 Sigma problem (Bloom, 1984). Within his research, Benjamin Bloom concluded that students with 1:1 tutoring performed two standard deviations higher than the baseline class (see graph). From 1984 until now the same obstacles have prevented the mass deployment of 1:1 tutors in our classes. It is difficult to find experts (let alone those who can tutor), tutors cost money and tutors are only available during select time windows. Don’t forget that we need a tutor for every student, so multiply the experts required in one field by 100. Only the moderately wealthy could employ the solution uncovered by Bloom.
Now with AI, each student in every class can benefit from a personal tutor who charges nothing, is available 24/7, and has expert knowledge in every discipline imaginable. Our students could ALL experience a gain of two sigma.
Although this all seems incredibly beneficial, we should pause and consider the effects of this approach with an ever-present tutor. Will our students ever experience the silent frustration and struggle of a challenging concept churning in their minds? Is there still a benefit to a learner wrestling with the unknown? Will our students immediately at the first sign of challenge employ an AI tutor and sail over the obstacle? What effect will this have on a students ability to navigate challenges in their lives and future learning?
As Fredrick Douglass so bluntly stated back in 1857, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Although these words were regarding a very different cause, one could argue they are just as relevant now with the AI revolution just starting to peek over the cultural horizon.
Interesting thoughts to consider as we proceed into an era of AI…
Cheers,
David
Image created by David Johns
“The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as One-to-One Tutoring” (PDF), Education Researcher, Benjamin Bloom
Author: David Johns, Teaching and Learning Consultant, CTLI
