The debate on the real role of education on World Teachers Day is fast. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the process of learning. How universities, students and society are being affected by this, this is the biggest challenge of the future.
The whole world is preparing to celebrate World Teachers’ Day on 5 October. This day reminds us that teachers are not only knowledgeable, but the ability to think, ask and imagine generations. But today, when we should respect his role, then a new strength is changing the world of education – Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI is no longer knocking on the door of education, but has completely opened it. The change that we expected to see after decades are now coming up in a few years, even months. The universities, who were the biggest sources and patron of knowledge for a long time, are now watching their role losing their role.
University and AI conflict
It is ironic that the same universities who claim to prepare students for the future are not ready for this rapidly changing future. The same question arises that what was the basic purpose of the university?
The topic also became part of the discussion at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Panels like ‘Youth and AI: Risks, Opportunities, and Insights’ made it clear that the education world is behind in adopting this change.
Real purpose of education
Schools teach children basic education, mathematics and science. But higher education has always been different and special. It is not just to give information, but to challenge the mind, teach critical thinking and to practice difficult problems.
Now this practice is in danger. AI immediately replies, writes the essay, divides complex principles into easy points. Students are not working hard and mental struggle that strengthens the ability to think. The more we rely on AI, the more we will be weak.
Crisis of faith: Can AI be trusted?
AI is not completely fair. It is based on the same figures which are already present and which gives a biased glimpse of the society. When a large part of the data comes from western countries, where does the voice of Global South go?
AI is sometimes the only teacher for students in refugee camps. But the knowledge they find can be incomplete or biased. Sometimes AI answers confidently, but they can be wrong or superficial. The basic essence of education- doubt and the habit of thinking deeply- is slowly disappearing.
Danger on higher education and impact on society
Universities have always been preparing the thinking leaders, scientists, doctors, judges and artists of the society. If the same education becomes superficial and machine-dependent, then its consequences will fall on every field.
- Doctors will trust machine more
- Judge AI will accept written arguments without deepening
- Policy-makers will be limited to machine output
The threat to the marginalized youth and refugees is even bigger. On one hand AI gives them access to higher education without visa or boundaries. On the other hand it binds them into such knowledge structure in which their language, culture and history are not in place.
Role and responsibility of universities
Now is the time that the university remember its real role. Their job is not only to share information, but to develop the ability to think and decide.
- Test the rationality and analysis instead of making examinations
- Essays should not be summarized, but become a medium of compilation and criticism
- Students make a habit of checking information, identifying partiality and challenging sources
- Give importance to plains, laboratories, oral presentations and art beyond the imitation of AI
The future is in our hands
AI will no longer wait. It is already changing higher education. The real question is, will we let it lose the meaning of education or will it use it to increase depth?
The purpose of education is not just to answer, but to prepare the brain so that it can ask such questions that the machines cannot answer. If we fail in it, then we will not only lose the university, but will also lose the essence of being a human being.
World Teachers’ Day forces us to think that the future of education should not depend only on technology. AI is a means, not a solution. The real challenge is that we give the younger generation a brain that can think beyond machines.
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