Why I, as an educator, put so much hope into AI
If you want to start a clothing brand, there are two reasonable business options. The first is the Patagonia way, with its commitment to quality and sustainability, and a high price point. The second is the H&M way, with a very low price tag achieved by cutting corners, especially regarding the environment and people. These paths mirror the choices we face in our educational system today.
Public Education: The H&M Model
Far too often, our public higher education system resembles the H&M model. It’s designed to be accessible to everyone, but in doing so, it often cuts corners. This manifests in oversized lecture halls, overworked staff, and ineffective instructional methods. The consequences are severe and far-reaching. Students become disengaged, lose interest, and feel alienated not only from their peers but from the very subjects they are supposed to be passionate about.
I experienced this first-hand. I sorely remember the feeling of loss during the graduation ceremony contrasting with the festive atmosphere of the event. I held a Bachelor's diploma in my hand attesting to the fact that I can answer lots of questions about mechanical engineering, but I was unable to answer fundamental questions such as: Do I like mechanical engineering? What do I like, anyway? The education system had provided me with credentials but left me without direction or a true sense of purpose.
The Challenge: Moving Towards Patagonia Quality Education
The challenge we face today is elevating our educational systems from the H&M to the Patagonia model, while maintaining or even improving their accessibility. Historically, humanity has approached such problems with two primary solutions: increased funding and leveraging technology. More often than not, technology, has historically proven to be a more effective way to solve such issues.
Why AI Gives Me Hope
I put a lot of hope into AI because I’ve seen firsthand how the traditional system can leave students adrift. AI holds a lot of promises for instruction, and my experiences and the experiences of others suggest that AI might be able to deliver on those promises. I have seen AI personalize learning experiences, provide instant feedback, and adapt to the needs of each student. In other words, I hope it can help us offer Patagonia-level quality education to everyone.
This post and image were created with the help of ChatGPT Plus.
