See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/341540537

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATION

Article in The Management Accountant Journal · May 2020

DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3666702

CITATIONS READS

25 11,016

2 authors:

Ashok Panigrahi Vijay D. Joshi

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies 57 PUBLICATIONS 88 CITATIONS
124 PUBLICATIONS 886 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Ashok Panigrahi on 18 June 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 COVER STORY

USE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN
EDUCATION
Abstract

Today, artificial intelligence is one of the emerging

technologies which are capable of altering every aspect
of our social interactions. In education, AI has begun
producing new teaching and learning solutions that are
now undergoing testing in different contexts. This paper
will let the stakeholders in education sector to understand
the extent to which AI will be used in the education and its
CMA (Dr.) Ashok Panigrahi perceived benefits. This paper provides examples of use of
Associate Professor AI in education, particularly in developing countries like
NMIMS University, Shirpur India wherein providing education to all is seen as one of
the sustainable development goals.
First, this paper provides an overview of AI to the
reader. It was observed that AI has evolved from simple
rule based systems to data-driven systems to context-
driven systems that have advanced capabilities. Next,
the paper talks an approach to putting AI into use in
education to improve learning outcomes. Indeed as a
new technology, AI when used in education will bring
Dr. Vijay Joshi changes to ‘learning experience’ by having adjustable
Assistant Professor learning environment that creates ‘personalized learning
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Management
Studies & Research, Nagpur
experience’. Finally, this paper presents some examples
of use of AI technology in education sector aimed at
improving learning experience and quality of learning.

64 The Management Accountant - May 2020 www.icmai.in

 COVER STORY

M
Introduction world.
ME AUDREY AZOULAY, DIRECTOR- • Problem analysis – The ability to process the
GENERAL, UNESCO writes “In the field of information obtained above in order to identify a
education, AI is expected to have a significant problem, analyze it and provide a solution.
impact, transforming the way teachers • Abstract knowledge – The ability to abstract
work by offering new teaching aids. It could revolutionize knowledge from perception in one domain and apply
the way in which students learn through personalised it to another.
learning and through greater access to knowledge thus also
• Experiential learning – The ability to continually learn
potentially facilitating more inclusive education. Clearly, the
from real-world data patterns and refine perception
possibilities are tremendous.” (UNESCO MGIEP, 2018) [1]
and knowledge.
Artificial Intelligence or AI provides predictions on new
Traditional Education System limits Personalized
scenarios based on learning from large volumes of historical
Learning
data. It is required to take a holistic look at a range of digital
Recent research in neuroscience has demonstrated that transformation in the education sector. These are augmented
each brain is ‘wired uniquely’ and thus ‘learns differently’. reality, virtual reality, videos and blockchain. AI and other
Our traditional education is ‘standard’ in nature and is focused digital technologies should be used to help teachers in
on curricula geared towards producing a workforce for mass imparting education (Sarkar, 2018) [3].
industrial deployment and have implemented the ‘one size
fits all’ approach (Singh and Jain, 2018) [2]. Unfortunately,
How AI can be put to use in education?
this has led to the following undesirable results:
It is advised to have an approach of educating people
• Many individuals trained but unable to adapt to
about use of AI by preparing people to work and live with AI
changing job requirements.
and then use AI in planning educational and training systems
• Little consideration for natural talent, thereby killing (Luckin and Issroff, 2018) [4].
creativity.
• Little or no love for learning.
• Unhappy, frustrated youth.
Consequently, the current education system finds itself
broken, insufficient and ineffective at meeting the demands
of the 21st century. The resurgence of Artificial Intelligence
or AI, however, offers a ray of hope in achieving such a
‘personalised learning system’.

What in Artificial Intelligence?

Singh and Jain (2018) [2] writes “The term Artificial
Intelligence or AI was coined by John McCarthy in 1956,
Source: (Luckin and Issroff, 2018) [4]
two years after the untimely death of Alan Turing, who came
to be known as the father of AI. In 1950, at a time when
It may be noted that thoughtful design of AI framework to
the first general purpose computers were being built, Turing
education and training has the potential to provide significant
was already grappling with the question “Can machines
benefits to educators, learners, parents and the society. It is a
think?” He developed a hypothetical machine, called a
reason for great excitement and concerted intelligent effort.
Turing machine, for encrypting codes built to test and
defines Machine Intelligence and thus refers to computer
programs that exhibit human-like intelligence such as logical Changes that AI technology will bring in the education
reasoning, problem solving and learning”. sector
It may be noted that AI systems has evolved over the time Indeed as a new technology, AI when used in education
within the framework described above. A historical review will bring changes to the entire ‘learning’ experience’.
of the evolution of AI systems reveals that they appear to There are only a few things that forced transitions in the
have followed a different process – one that has been driven global education industry to change and are as listed below
by algorithm and technology development (Singh and Jain, (Blaylock, 2019) [5]:
2018) [2]. • Adjustable Learning Environment
• New Opportunities
Framework for Artificial Intelligence • Improved Efficiency
Singh and Jain (2018) [2] suggest following framework • AI-driven Education Platform
for AI that comprises of following aspects. These are:
Artificial intelligence, with such changes in the education
• Perception – The ability to use sensory systems and sector that enhances learning may be seen as one of the
language to obtain information about the natural emerging technologies.

www.icmai.in May 2020 - The Management Accountant 65

 COVER STORY
Views of Indian Industry Representatives on use of AI Finally, this paper will present some examples of use of AI
in education technology in education sector aimed at improving learning
Artificial intelligence is the sector with untapped potential. experience and quality of learning.
Shobita Dhar provides some of the comments made by
representatives of some of the Indian organizations those are Prominent Examples of Use of AI Technology in
working in the area ‘Use of AI in Education’. (See the table Education
below).
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (CODE 417) -
Table 1: Opinions by representatives of some of the Indian CURRICULUM FOR CLASS IX (INSPIRE AND
organizations those are working on ‘Use of AI in Education’ ACQUIRE MODULE) - CBSE
(Dhar, 2019) [6], (Dialani, 2019) [7] An example of this is provided by Central Board of
Secondary Education – CBSE. It is said that CBSE Schools
Name of the to include AI, Python for Class 8 and 9 Students from 2020
Opinions expressed by the (CBSE, 2019) [8].
Organization
Organization Representative
Representative
Adaptive assessments give very Example of a curriculum for Standard 9 Student
accurate results. Based on these the
Sameer Bora, teacher can give individual feedback
Executive VP, to each child on what should be the
Next Education new learning path. Earlier, students
India Pvt. Ltd. would get a general advice – ‘Good.
Can do better’. But AI allows
teachers to be more focused.
Remote Proctoring is the future
Swapnil monitoring of exams. The technology
Dharmidhikari, captures physical movements of the
Founder, candidate. If the candidate tries to
Splashgain open a new window or an URL it
Technology immediately sends an alert to the
Solutions Pvt. remote invigilator. In the future
Ltd. physical invigilation will be replaced
with digital invigilation.
Algorithms replace mentors in
Prashanth B. providing customized learning. AI
R., Co-Founder, enables students to discover a unique
Krackin and path of learning, customised to their
Kiran G. R., Co- aspiration and capabilities. At present Source: (CBSE, 2019) [8]
Founder, Krackin it’s being used in 89 colleges, and by
300+ companies. Other Examples of Use of AI Technology in Education
Mobile App making attendance According to research organization Tracxn, it is observed
register redundant. Traditional that in excess of 300 Indian new businesses use AI as their
Sreedhar Narla, attendance takes about 10 minutes, core and invention in their organization. About one tenth
CEO-Founder, but this app can do the task in one of them (11%) are belonging to ‘learning and teaching’
ICET Solutions, minute. The teacher takes a couple domain. This is a strong sign of organizations outside
Bengaluru of shots with her phone camera, the of innovation and web based business using AI in their
images are processed in the cloud and products and services. While a conclusive goal is whole
the attendance marked. customization, various applications and ventures are
At Toppr, we use both AI and AI to helping us in transit. Coaching applications are adjusting
layout the learner’s characteristics their exercise structures depending upon the execution of a
and inadequacies. Singular learning stand-out client profile. Expanded information crunching
rates and records are pondered. These is making trying an undeniably intuitive wonder in India.
Zishaan Hayath, (Dialani, 2019) [7]
tests are planned to help a child’s
Co-Founder and
trust in zones they surpass desires There will be number of examples about use of AI in
CEO, Toppr
in and challenge them in areas they education. Some of these are provided herewith. Please note
don’t. This comprehensive technique that this list is indicative only and is not exhaustive. (See the
empowers children to remain table below).
energized and spurred.
Source: (Dhar, 2019) [6], (Dialani, 2019) [7]

66 The Management Accountant - May 2020 www.icmai.in

 COVER STORY
Table 3: Some of the examples about use of AI in education solutions for every learner.
Name of It may be concluded that there exists several AI-based
Example and its description products those are used in education sector at present. These
Author
examples indicate that there is scope for using AI and other
AI offering help to teachers in imparting
education and can be used for predicting
emerging technologies supported with adequate research
student potential as well as chances of at- and innovation.
risk students dropping out. This information The author is of the opinion that concentrated efforts are
Sarkar
would be valuable for teachers in targeting required by all the stakeholders in ‘Education’ sector so as
(2018) [3]
specific interventions for at-risk students. to understand, accept and use AI based products benefiting
The state of Andhra Pradesh had conducted them (as applicable).
a pilot to predict drop-outs based on past
student scores and student backgrounds. References
Personalized Learning using adaptive 1. UNESCO MGIEP. (2018). Artificial Intelligence and
assessment software: Class VIII students of the Future of Education: Exploring how Artificial
Mount Zion School, Gangtok are writing Intelligence can take Learning to a whole new level,
exams set by a machine. They get questions Published by United Nations Educational, Scientific and
customized to their pace of learning. Cultural Organization and Mahatama Gandhi Institute
Machine-set question papers that use of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development.
AI: Next Education, an edtech company Available from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/
pf0000366389. [Last accessed on 2020 March 18].
in Hyderabad, developed an AI driven
assessment platform that is used by more 2. Singh Nandini Chatterjee and Jain Raunak. (2018).
than 50 schools in India. This platform can Personalizing ‘Learning’ - Can AI Promise Customised
set papers within one minute and customize Education for ‘Humanity’. It is cited by (UNESCO MGIEP,
2018) [1].
questions to each student’s learning needs.
It also gives instantaneous results. 3. Sarkar Avik Dr. (2018). Interview with Dr. Avik Sarkar,
Dhar (2019) Exams at your doorstep: Remote Proctoring Head – Data Analytics Cell at NITI Aayog, Govt. of India.
[11] is an AI platform that allows teachers to It is cited by (UNESCO MGIEP, 2018) [1].
remotely invigilate an online exam. This 4. Luckin Ross and Kim Issroff. (2018). Future of Education
means that students don’t need to physically and Skills 2030: Conceptual Learning Framework.
assemble in an exam hall to write their Education and AI: preparing for the future & AI, Attitudes
paper but can do it from anywhere, even and Values. Eighth Informal Working Group (IWG)
Meeting, 29-31 October 2018, EDU/EDPC (2018) 45 /
from home. This reduces the logistical
ANN2. OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation
burden of conducting and writing exams. and Development) Conference Centre, Paris, France.
IIM, Rohtak used Remote Proctoring while
5. Blaylock Jeff. (2019). The top five changes that occur with
conducting its executive MBA entrance
AI in Education, December 18, 2019. Available from:
exam this year.
https://www.analyticsinsight.net/the-top-5-changes-that-
Mobile App making attendance register occur-with-ai-in-education/. [Last accessed on 2020
redundant: In some government-run schools March 18].
in Tamil Nadu, the attendance register was
6. Dhar Shobita. (2019). Artificial intelligence in classroom:
replaced by a mobile app.
Is it reducing human interaction in learning? – Times
News Network, December 11, 2019. Available from:
Conclusion https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/spotlight/heres-how-
coventry-university-is-redefining-education-globally/
In order for AI based products to be contextualized, articleshow/74650839.cms/. [Last accessed on 2020
commoditized, and available to wider, diverse audience, a March 18].
rich set of tooling, standards, and best practices are required.
7. Dialani Priya. (2019). Use of AI and VR in the Indian
The potential of personalised quality education, regardless Education Sector, March 30, 2019. Available from: https://
of geographical, socio-cultural and other affiliations etc.., by www.analyticsinsight.net/use-of-ai-and-vr-in-the-indian-
means of AI and Deep Learning, is recognised. However, education-sector/. [Last accessed on 2020 March 18].
a sustained, coordinated effort to address them holistically, 8. CBSE. (2019). AI Integration Manual prepared by CBSE.
from pedagogical to experiential to business to ethics Artificial Intelligence Integration across Subjects for CBSE
and governance angles, is required (Dhavala, 2018) [9]. Curriculum. Available from: http://cbseacademic.nic.in/
Concerted efforts are needed to develop: web_material/Curriculum20/AI_Integration_Manual.pdf/.
[Last accessed on 2020 March 23].
• Data-first platforms
9. Dhavala Soma. (2018). Artificial Intelligence for
• Shared NLU (Natural language Understanding) and Education. It is cited by (UNESCO MGIEP, 2018) [1].
AI infrastructure and
• Agile processes to develop AI products.
panigrahi.ak@gmail.com
These products should eventually be used to create
vijayjoshi62@gmail.com
customised, relevant, engaging, explainable and governable

www.icmai.in May 2020 - The Management Accountant 67

View publication stats