Kim Hellberg, 2 February, 2024
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping teaching and learning on a global scale. In this insightful article by QUT alumnus and Cturtle founder, Shane Dillon, the focus is squarely on the USA and China, two nations at the forefront of AI integration in education. Shane sheds light on their contrasting approaches and the implications of these global trends for Australia, offering valuable insights for policymakers as the country navigates the integration of AI into its educational system.
United States: A leader in AI-enabled education
In the United States, the integration of AI in education is being actively pursued. The US Department of Education has released insights and recommendations on using AI to enhance education. These include the development of AI-enabled personalised learning tools and intelligent tutoring systems. The emphasis is on leveraging AI to support educators and improve student learning outcomes.
The US is also seeing the rise of AI applications in administrative tasks. AI tools are being employed to automate grading, allowing teachers more time to focus on classroom teaching and individual student needs. Using AI in executive roles enhances efficiency and provides teachers with valuable insights into student performance and learning styles.
China: Advanced implementation and surveillance concerns
China is taking a more aggressive approach to AI in education. The country has widely adopted AI technologies in its schools, utilising them for everything from intelligent tutoring to facial recognition systems that monitor student attentiveness. This pervasive use of AI reflects China's ambition to lead globally in AI technology. However, it raises critical concerns about student privacy and the ethical implications of such surveillance in educational settings.
Global trends: Diverse applications of AI
Globally, the use of AI in education varies significantly. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, AI education is being introduced to teachers, signalling a growing interest in this technology in various parts of the world. These global trends indicate that AI is increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance educational experiences and outcomes.
QUT alumnus and Cturtle founder, Shane Dillon
Australia: Learning from international experiences
For Australia, the experiences of countries like the USA and China offer valuable lessons. The potential benefits of AI in Australian education could mirror those seen in the USA, including personalised learning experiences and improved administrative efficiency. However, Australia must also consider the ethical and privacy issues highlighted by China's use of AI in education.
Regulatory landscape: A comparative view
The regulatory approach to AI in education differs across these regions. Recent regulations in the USA emphasise responsible AI deployment, focusing on non-discrimination, privacy, and safety. These guidelines are part of a broader strategy to ensure AI's ethical use in education, as outlined in the Biden administration's executive order and the Department of Education's recommendations.
Conversely, China has fewer regulations concerning AI's ethical and privacy aspects in education. The country focuses more on the widespread adoption and integration of AI technologies in educational settings, sometimes at the cost of student privacy and ethical considerations.
Implications for Australia
As Australia considers integrating AI into its educational system, it can draw on the experiences and regulatory frameworks of the USA. Australian policymakers are likely to focus on developing regulations that ensure the responsible use of AI in education, with a strong emphasis on protecting student privacy and upholding ethical standards. The US model of balancing innovation with regulation could serve as a blueprint for Australia.
In conclusion, AI in education is characterised by dynamic growth and diverse applications worldwide. The experiences of the USA and China provide contrasting examples of how AI can be integrated into educational systems. As Australia navigates its path to adopting AI in education, the emerging regulatory frameworks, particularly those in the USA, offer essential guidelines to ensure AI's ethical, responsible, and effective use in education.
Shane Dillon
QUT degree - Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics) (2003)
Do you have a question for Shane? You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
Author
Kim has more than ten years experience across a range of integrated digital marketing and communications roles. She is a QUT alumnus with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Media and Communications).