AI in Education Bi-weekly Digest - Issue #20

Welcome to our latest #20 newsletter, where we delve into the transformative power of AI in the education sector. From seminars that explore innovative AI applications in language learning to discussions on the ethical implications of AI in grading, this issue is packed with insights and opportunities for educators, administrators, and students alike. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping educational practices, enhancing personalized learning, and posing new challenges. Whether you're looking to stay updated on the latest trends or seeking strategies to implement AI effectively, our newsletter has something for everyone. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve with us.

Upcoming Activities:

[Online Seminar] Advancing AI Language Education with AI: Curriculum, Assessment, and Pedagogy Innovation - This seminar (on 19th April) offers insights into leveraging AI technologies in language education to develop student-centred assessments and foster student engagement and personalised learning. Take advantage of this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and language education. Don't hesitate to join us.

[Seminars and Workshops] Inno-GBA Week by Lingnan University - This event features a seminar and three workshops led by esteemed professors from universities in the Greater Bay Area. Discover how GAI can empower education and be a part of shaping the future of learning.

News, Articles & Blogs:

[Commentary] Gen Z Wants AI Skills, And Businesses Want Workers Who Can Apply AI: Higher Education Can Help - Generative AI is already reshaping the education landscape. Educators must ensure a positive impact from this powerful technology. This article explores the potential implications and challenges of integrating generative AI into educational practices.

[News] Texas Will Use Computers to Grade Written Answers on This Year's STAAR Tests - Texas is adopting AI technology to grade written STAAR test responses, aiming to save $15-20 million annually. This hybrid scoring will involve fewer human graders, with some responses still checked by people. The move has raised concerns among educators about fairness and the effectiveness of automated scoring.

[News] Teachers Are Using AI to Grade Essays. But Some Experts Are Raising Ethical Concerns - AI is increasingly used in education, with teachers utilizing tools like ChatGPT for grading and feedback and students using AI to write essays. This raises ethical concerns and questions about the value of AI-generated content in academia, where personal teacher feedback and original student work are crucial.

[Commentary] AI Will Revolutionize Higher Education (If Universities Will Allow It] - With the rapid pace of technological innovation, colleges and universities need to adapt their curricula and teaching methods to equip students with the skills demanded by industry. The question of a university education’s value in preparing students for the job market is more urgent than ever, especially given the rising student loan debt. To stay relevant, they must embrace AI-driven changes.

[Commentary] The AI Conundrum in Modern Education: Challenges and Responses - The article explores the impact of generative AI in schools and universities, highlighting its use in assignments and the challenges in detecting AI-generated content. The article discusses the evolving market and suggests integrating AI responsibly into educational practices to enhance learning while maintaining integrity.

[Commentary] AI Cheating Is Destroying Higher Education; Here's How to Fight It - In an article by Wilson Tsu, it's discussed how AI cheating is rampant in higher education. Tsu suggests redefining cheating, embracing project-based learning, and enhancing transparency in AI use to adapt teaching methods and maintain academic integrity amidst evolving technological tools.

[Research] Generative Agents: Interactive Simulacra of Human Behavior - Diving into the realm of AI, the paper explores the creation of software agents that mimic human actions and interactions. Living in a simulated town, these agents autonomously plan events and socialize, offering a groundbreaking approach to understanding and crafting human-like AI behaviors.

Tools/Resources:

Disclaimer: AI in Education has no affiliation with any highlighted free or commercial products in this section.

[Course] v launched a free Generative AI for Educators course to aid teachers in integrating AI into their classrooms. The self-paced, two-hour course helps educators create personalized lesson plans, adapt instructions for different abilities, and streamline daily tasks, culminating in a certificate for professional development credit.

[Tool] EMO: Emote Portrait Alive - EMO introduces an innovative framework for audio-driven portrait-video generation. By inputting a single reference image and vocal audio, it generates expressive avatar videos with dynamic facial expressions and head poses. The method adapts to different languages and styles, expanding character portrayal possibilities in multilingual contexts.

[Resource] Higher Education Generative AI Readiness Assessment - EDUCAUSE, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, offers an assessment tool to evaluate an institution's preparedness for implementing strategic AI initiatives. It encourages individual and team assessments to align IT efforts with institutional goals and strategy.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the linked posts are those of the speakers and or their entities and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the project AI in Education, Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.