Artificial intelligence changing learning landscape

AI in education evaluation

Yang Yu, deputy director of the Office of National Education Inspection at the Ministry of Education, said accurate profiles of assessment subjects, generated through machine learning, have dramatically improved the efficiency and accuracy of grading exam papers.

"AI and big data enable a more scientific analysis and interpretation of vast monitoring and evaluation data," Yang said, adding that these technologies help educators identify priorities in the evaluation process.

When combined with visualization tools, big data can present complex analytical results through charts and comparative graphs, allowing education administrators and decision-makers to understand the insights behind the data and implement more targeted actions.

"For evaluation subjects, these technologies can generate personalized reports, accurately identify individual needs and provide scientific support for adjustments and tailored interventions," Yang said.

David Osher, vice-president of the American Institutes for Research, highlighted AI's role in collecting high-quality data and offering actionable insights for educators. Specific applications include tracking classroom interactions and student engagement, as well as providing personalized feedback.

Osher shared a study at a conference on the effects of suspension from school on children, using AI to analyze 10 years of data collected from school children in New York. "By using AI, we were able to match students on 80 different variables and thoroughly examine the predictive consequences of suspension," he said.

Andreas Schleicher, director of education and skills for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, said assessing fixed subject content is easier than evaluating cognitive abilities and encouraging educators to change the way they assess students.

The demand for traditional cognitive skills is declining while technology intensive tasks are on the rise, calling for integrating AI into this shift, he said.

He emphasized that schools should help students understand their purpose, values, passions and the goals they want to achieve.