Someone on Quora asks whether or not we should continue with the old outdated education system that takes years and was designed before the invention of the internet. Now that AI is in the mix, it's an even more urgent question.
The real question isn’t whether the old system should continue—it’s why it hasn’t already been replaced. Even without the Internet, the system’s purpose was flawed. It wasn’t designed to inspire learning but to train people to obey, conform, and stay where they were put. That’s why school is so unpleasant for most that attendance had to be made mandatory. It’s time to tear it down and rebuild from scratch.
AI presents the opportunity to do just that. Tools like ChatGPT could solve Bloom’s Two Sigma Problem (Bloom, 1984), offering every student a personalized tutor that adapts to their needs, interests, and pace. For self-learners like me, AI has already become a game-changer—a patient, tireless guide that lets me explore whatever I want, whenever I want.
In an AI-driven world, the skills we need to succeed are entirely different from those we currently teach. Today’s education system still prioritizes outdated skills like rote memorization, despite the fact that AI makes instant access to information ubiquitous. Those who embrace curiosity-driven, AI-assisted learning will vastly outperform others—and they’ll enjoy the process.
So, what should education look like in this new era? I believe it should focus on developing skills as needed and fostering a love of learning. AI makes that possible.
What’s your vision for the future of education?
Addressing Concerns About AI in Education
Thanks goes to Kurt on Quora for a detailed and well-considered reply to the above. He brings up important points that deserve thoughtful engagement. Let me address those concerns in turn.
1. "The educational system is unpopular because children resist being told what to do."
While it's true that children often resist authority, the degree of resistance depends heavily on how the education system engages them. Traditional methods rely on external motivators (e.g., grades, discipline), but curiosity-driven approaches tap into intrinsic motivation, which is far more effective (Deci & Ryan, 1985). AI has the potential to personalize education in a way that makes learning feel less like broccoli and more like dessert.
2. "You need old skills when not in communication with AI."
I agree that foundational skills like literacy and numeracy remain vital, especially for offline scenarios. However, the current system prioritizes rote memorization over adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills essential in an AI-driven world. AI isn’t about replacing knowledge but enhancing how we learn and apply it.
3. "Self-paced, curiosity-driven education doesn’t work for children."
While self-paced learning might not suit every child, research shows that curiosity-driven models foster deeper engagement and retention (Lillard, 2005). Programs like Montessori and project-based learning have demonstrated success in this area. AI could scale such methods, tailoring instruction to individual needs while maintaining the structure children often require.
4. "Computerized adaptive learning systems are tyrannical and uninspiring."
Past adaptive learning systems have indeed been clunky and uninspiring, but they lacked the sophistication of modern AI. Systems like ChatGPT are far more nuanced, capable of engaging learners in meaningful dialogue and adjusting in real-time based on input, which could mitigate the tyrannical feel you describe (RAND, 2020).
5. "All it takes is money."
Funding is a perennial issue, but AI presents an opportunity to reduce costs in the long run. For instance, AI tutors could alleviate the workload on teachers, allowing them to focus on high-value activities like mentoring. While initial investment is necessary, the long-term savings and improved outcomes could make education more accessible and cost-effective.
6. "We’ve been teaching the same way since Plato."
Education has seen incremental changes, but clinging to the "way it’s always been done" stifles innovation. The industrial revolution redefined education to meet workforce demands—now, the AI revolution offers a chance to do so again. If we focus solely on cost, we risk missing a transformative opportunity.
Conclusion
In short, I believe AI can help us reimagine education to be more engaging, equitable, and effective. This isn’t about throwing money at a problem or chasing fads—it’s about leveraging tools that align education with the needs of a rapidly changing world. I'm open to your thoughts on how we could balance innovation with practicality.
What would you see as the next steps?
References
1. Curiosity-Driven Learning
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. Springer. Retrieved from https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9780306420221
- Edutopia. (n.d.). Why Curiosity Enhances Learning. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-curiosity-enhances-learning
2. AI in Education
- Bloom, B. S. (1984). The 2 Sigma Problem: The Search for Methods of Group Instruction as Effective as One-to-One Tutoring. Educational Researcher. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X013006004
- Brookings. (2020). How AI Can Personalize Education. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/10/14/how-ai-can-personalize-education/
- UNESCO. (n.d.). AI and Education. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/artificial-intelligence/education
3. Self-Paced and Personalized Learning
- Lillard, A. S. (2005). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://global.oup.com/academic/product/montessori-9780195146106
- PBL Works. (n.d.). Research Supporting Project-Based Learning. Retrieved from https://www.pblworks.org/research
4. Foundational Skills and AI Synergy
- World Economic Forum. (2020). Future of Jobs Report. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2020
- OECD. (2020). Preparing for the AI Era. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/education/education-in-the-ai-era-58d73db0-en.htm
5. Cost Efficiency and Scalability of AI in Education
- HolonIQ. (2021). The Impact of AI on the Future of Education. Retrieved from https://www.holoniq.com/notes/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-future-of-education/
- Brookings. (2020). AI Education Cost Analysis. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-economic-impact-of-ai-in-education/
6. Historical Context of Education and Its Limitations
- Gatto, J. T. (2003). The Underground History of American Education. The Oxford Village Press. Retrieved from https://www.johntaylorgatto.com/underground/
- Gatto, J. T. (2003). Against Schools. Harper’s Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~abatko/interests/teaching/essays/Against_Schools/
7. Challenges of Traditional Adaptive Learning Systems
- RAND. (2020). Adaptive Learning Technologies. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/education-and-labor/projects/adaptive-learning.html
- ISTE. (n.d.). Adaptive Learning Systems in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/explore/Adaptive-learning-systems-classroom
Additional Links:
- Article on the flaws of the education system:
- Manifesto for AI-enhanced education:
- Proposed reboot protocol:
- Article by John Taylor Gatto:
No comments:
Post a Comment