The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its increasing daily use through our devices highlight the importance of considering its impact on society, and more specifically on education. As ISL Board Member Pedro Castilho mentioned, “we prepare children for a future that does not exist yet”.
“We have to learn what it is to be a student right now” – Sheridan Masters, Head of Technology (ISL)
The six seasoned panelists, originating from different sectors, shared views on the use of AI in education – and by extension in the working place – so as to stimulate intellectual engagement on the challenges of our times. As AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT are on rise, it is important to prepare students for this digital transformation.
“The world is turning digital : we need to prepare our students for that” – Serge Linckels, Director (Digital Learning Hub Luxembourg)
As The Learning Distillery Senior Digital Learning Consultant Petre Bica evidenced, AI can truly help in solving old problems in learning. Black Swan LUX Chief Data and AI Officer Emilia Tantar further explained that AI could be yet another tool in teachers’ toolset to keep providing guidance on knowledge.
“These changes will happen, whether you want it or not” – Rocio Lopez Perez, Tech Educator and AI Research Associate (Luxembourg Tech School)
Also, Luxinnovation CEO Sasha Baillie claimed that AI – and other new technologies – is actually a source of opportunities, notably when it comes to education evolution. It is necessary to invest in such technologies now so as to prepare for tomorrow’s careers. A clear regulatory framework on AI and other emerging technologies are required in order to set European, and global standards on such uses.
Similarly to any new trendy technology or concept, AI is the cause of many concerns and, in particular, that one day that machines will one day take over humans. This should be considered the other way round: machines are not to replace humans, but will instead contribute to the improvement of both education and professional sectors.
Besides, Sasha Baillie emphasized the fact that machines can certainly evaluate a quantity of data, but “the value effect is something that is inherently human, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and it comes from many different experiences, from a sense of feeling”: this is what leads us to make decisions because “AI is all about data”, as said Serge Linckels.
Furthermore, Petre Bica explains that machines cannot replicate emotions, the cognitive human part. On the same note, Rocio Lopez Perez stated that AI-powered devices do benefit from hard skills, and lack soft skills that are proper to humans.
Panelists agreed on the fact that AI is an upcoming technology that is to be used in education and also in the future workplace. It should nevertheless not be considered as a threat, but instead as a lever to complete both educational and professional toolset. AI promises hence to bring the educational system, and more, to the next level!
“We are thrilled to have hosted such an esteemed panel of speakers who provided valuable insights into the impact of AI and the future of learning” – Dr. David J. Condon, Director (ISL)
