AI in Education: Lessons from the Past and a Roadmap for the Future

How do you think AI should be applied to education? When recently asked this question, my first thought drew parallels to the pioneering technology of the scientific calculator and the forbidden Unauthorized Functions on standardized tests! Does anyone even know what I am talking about?

Picture a high school Jersey girl in the ’90s with a love of calculus and a dedication to cheerleading—‘Go HHS!’—getting ready to begin the college entrance process in 1994. This is the year the scientific calculator was approved for use on the SAT exams by the College Board. All my hopes and dreams of getting a score to gain admission into The University of Colorado at Boulder rested on my prep and my educator’s knowledge of how to use this cutting-edge technology. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Bowes, who had the foresight and ability to not only teach calculus theory but also unlock the potential of this magical calculator to arrive faster at the next step in my problem-solving strategy.

Now fast forward to 2024. It is strange to learn that not much has changed on taking the SAT exams. You still need No. 2 pencils and fresh batteries in your approved scientific calculator, but a lot has changed in how we educate students and measure the success of that education with the evolution of AI from automatic grading, personalized education, and instantaneous research and data.

So why does the 1994 scientific calculator matter to the application of AI in the institution of education?

Much like 30 years ago, there were cheaters and those that bent the rules to their advantage. However, with AI in education, we have not clearly defined the framework to identify ‘cheating’. Furthermore, if technology is used correctly, it provides a competitive advantage. Think back to what happened next with the scientific calculator. Do you remember in 1999, the teenage Myer brothers were using the TI-83 as the modern-day personal computer, selling customer-designed built-in Unauthorized Functions software—a.k.a. your ‘90s hacking—whereby with the click of a few buttons, they were selling guarantees to increase your SAT score by 160 points. When cheating was accused, they stated, “Cheating is violating regulations unfairly, but our programs do not violate any regulations.”

Today, AI is writing papers, writing code, generating websites, and solving questions that are designed to test learning, not regurgitate probable answers. The reality is the same problems exist today, and we have a lot to learn from how we approached setting the framework. Governance in an AI future of education is key to quickly setting the standards for how to advance true learning in the classrooms and set the framework for everyone to utilize this technology. It is not a matter of if we will use it; we must, or as an education system, we will fail to advance with the rest of the world.

Governance in AI for Education

AI is ubiquitous, and those who do not adapt and acquire this new skill set will inevitably be left behind. Utilizing AI elevates our thought processes beyond traditional first answers, fostering deeper understanding and pushing us to think beyond the limits of our personal data set. With AI’s limitless information and unparalleled computational power, we can access vast data within seconds to expand and challenge our thinking. This capability is what cultivates greater minds and drives the next generation of innovative thought.

Universal Education Data Source

In education, data is segmented. In business today, a key message is unlocking an organization’s data potential as it drives the bottom line. However, businesses own their data and are working to make their organization's knowledge and data drive productivity and market differentiation. The process of learning without AI is static and limited by an individual’s exposure to information, education, and experiences.

Everyone has a unique personal data set that, when compared to other personal data sets and data sources, shapes and creates predictability in responses due to these limitations. Education powered by AI, however, can synthesize data, apply critical thinking, and generate new insights while adapting to changing circumstances. To equip students with the skills needed to contribute to society, they must learn to enhance their thinking with AI, enabling them to advance their knowledge beyond their personal data set. A first step is developing a universal data set for education that makes access to data and information equal, much like public libraries.

Equity in Access

Depending on where someone went to school, there were inequalities in who was educated on the latest technology so they could be measured against peers in standardized testing. To create fairness and equity in access to AI technology, we need to ensure that access goes beyond the physical hardware to the software and systems that enable AI.

Support for Educators from Business Leaders

The real differentiator with AI lies in the fact that most educators are not yet experts in AI and are still learning how to use and apply it in the classroom. Meanwhile, business professionals and non-educators are driving AI applications and technology that surpass what is currently teachable in the school curricula. Schools that can integrate business applications of AI from leading-edge organizations will stand out by setting the pace for the most advanced educational standards.

Modifying the Measurement System

If the purpose of education is to empower every child with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world and contribute meaningfully to society, then our methods to measure success must evolve. Measuring success is multi-dimensional and requires an adaptive approach that integrates AI into education. While we no longer sharpen our pencils and rely solely on the scientific calculator for exams, our methods of assessing student aptitude must advance to harness AI's potential to enhance cognitive abilities and expand the power of the brain.

In conclusion, to effectively integrate AI in education, we must establish robust governance frameworks, create a universal education data source, ensure equity in access, support educators with resources from business leaders, and modify our measurement systems. By doing so, we will prepare students to thrive in an AI-driven future, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and drive the next generation of innovative thought.