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AI Will Set Education Back 2500 Years... And That’s a Good Thing | Robert Clapperton

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AI Will Set Education Back 2500 Years... And That’s a Good Thing | Robert Clapperton

Robert Clapperton shares why generative AI will set education back 2500 years, and why that’s a good thing. Robert presents an optimistic perspective, suggesting that AI can revolutionize education by creating a digital extension of teachers. Robert Clapperton is an Assistant Professor in the School of Professional Communications at Ryerson University. Robert earned his PhD in English Language and Literature with a Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Science at the University of Waterloo. He specializes in computational linguistics with an emphasis on the critical application of natural language processing in education. Robert’s teaching focuses on the digital enterprise and communication research methods. Robert is a co-founder and inventor of Ametros Learning, a natural language understanding experiential learning platform focused on the teaching and practicing communication, critical thinking, and emotional  intelligence. The platform is currently used by universities, corporations, and professional associations across North America.

AI Will Set Education Back 2500 Years... And That’s a Good Thing

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

 

Summary:

Summary:

In this enlightening TEDx talk by Robert Clapperton, the impact of generative AI on education is explored with a hopeful outlook towards its potential to revolutionize traditional teaching methods. Clapperton delves into the current apprehensions surrounding AI, specifically large language models like ChatGPT, and their capability to automate tasks traditionally reserved for human intellect, such as essay writing. This automation, he argues, presents a significant challenge to the conventional assessment methods employed in education for centuries. However, Clapperton sees an opportunity for generative AI to revitalize education by fostering a return to the dialogic and Socratic methods of teaching, reminiscent of ancient civilizations.

  • Educational Evolution: Education has progressed from a one-to-one dialogue between teacher and student, emphasizing critical thinking and knowledge creation, to a one-to-many format. This shift, while expanding access to education, has diluted the direct interaction essential for deep intellectual engagement.

  • Generative AI's Potential: Generative AI, despite its challenges, offers a chance to reinvigorate education by enabling personalized learning experiences. By leveraging AI, educators can create a more interactive and engaging learning environment that mirrors the Socratic method, fostering a deeper understanding and internalization of concepts.

  • Innovative Solutions: Clapperton introduces the concept of a "Generative TA" (Teaching Assistant), an AI designed to facilitate a Socratic-like dialogue with students. This tool aims to personalize education by adjusting content delivery based on individual student responses, thereby identifying and addressing gaps in understanding.

  • Historical Perspective: The talk references educational practices from ancient Greece, India, and China, highlighting the value of dialogue and mentorship in learning. These historical models underscore the potential of AI to facilitate a return to more interactive and personalized educational methodologies.

  • Technological Integration: Clapperton emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into education in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human interaction. The goal is to use AI as a tool to augment the educational experience, allowing for more personalized and engaging learning.

  • Future Directions: The speaker encourages educators and students to embrace AI as a means to enhance critical thinking and learning. By leveraging AI effectively, it is possible to create a more dynamic and interactive educational landscape that prepares students for the future.

The talk concludes on an optimistic note, suggesting that generative AI, if harnessed correctly, could lead to a significant transformation in education, making it more personalized, engaging, and effective.

Insights based on numbers:

  • Educational Access Over Time: The transition from individualized instruction to mass education over millennia has both democratized access and diluted personal engagement. Generative AI presents an opportunity to bridge this gap by personalizing learning at scale.

  • Technological Impact on Learning: The advent of asynchronous learning and MOOCs (Massively Open Online Courses) has expanded access to education but has also highlighted the need for more personalized engagement, which AI could facilitate

 

 

 

 

More from Robert Clapperton:

See also the following discussion/webinar provided by T McGraw Hill Canada (mheducation.ca):

 Assessing in The Age of Artificial Intelligence (mheducation.ca)

In a thought-provoking session as part of the Debugging the Future Webinar Series, Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Co-founder of Ametros Learning, Dr. Robert Clapperton delved into the profound impact of large language models on higher education and shared valuable insights on how educators and institutions can tailor their assessments in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). 

If you would like to take part in future sessions in our ‘Debugging the Future’ Webinar Series, click here to register.
 
An Assistant Professor in the School of Professional Communications at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Robert Clapperton specializes in computational linguistics, rhetoric, and critical discourse analysis, with an emphasis on the critical study of artificial intelligence and natural language understanding in several fields, including education. Dr. Clapperton is also the co-founder and director of Ametros Learning, a natural language understanding experiential learning platform for teaching and practicing communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence that’s used in universities across North America. 
 
The webinar attracted a diverse and engaged audience of educators, administrators, and professionals eager to explore the evolving landscape of higher education. Dr. Clapperton, alongside enthusiastic attendees, exchanged ideas and practical suggestions, sparking a dynamic conversation around the integration of AI in assessments.

Below, we will delve into some of the actionable tips that emerged from the webinar, shedding light on the innovative ways educators are leveraging AI to enhance the assessment process and promote effective learning outcomes in face of AI generated content. 

The session with Dr. Robert Clapperton provided a valuable platform for collaboratively exploring the possibilities and challenges presented by AI in higher education, inspiring educators to embrace innovation and reshape the assessment landscape for the benefit of their students.

To watch the full recorded session and discussion on-demand, click here.