AI & Adaptive Learning: Transforming 21st Century Learning
It seems like everyone is talking about artificial intelligence nowadays — but what exactly does it mean? Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the new and emerging technologies shaping the world we live in today that can drastically improve cross-sector productivity. AI simulates human intelligence processes, like learning new information, reasoning and self-correction, through computer systems. It has also been used to power adaptive learning-a data-driven approach of learning that provides customised instructions aimed at transforming the learner from a passive receptor of information to a collaborator in the educational process.
The use of AI in adaptive learning helps to assess students based on their needs, enabling them to work at their own pace. For example, a baby does not move from crawling to running immediately. First they need to crawl, then stand, then cruise before they finally take the first steps on their own. Similarly, adaptive learning through AI delivers different types of content while interacting with the learner in an appropriate sequence to address the individual learner’s needs at specific points. By doing so, learners are able to receive lessons, quizzes or tuition based on their ability.
But how does an adaptive learning approach actually affect learning outcomes? A study by Knewton, an American adaptive learning company, showed that in one South Carolina school, proficiency on a state exam increased by 124% for 7th graders and 93% for 8th graders. Moreover, college science students with adaptive support improved by 3% to 8% more over time as compared to those without adaptive support. This proves that the adoption of this technology in receiving curriculum-aligned content has significant positive effects.
The need for adaptive learning and AI is therefore especially important for students that are behind pace, as is the case, unfortunately, for many students in Sub-saharan Africa. For example, Kirsten Majgaard & Alain Mingat conducted a comparative analysis on education in Sub-saharan Africa, using Africa Student Learning Index (ASLI) to interpret the percentage of the curriculum that students have absorbed and comprehended at the time of testing. When put on their Monitoring of Learning Achievement (MLA) surveys’ scale, the average value for learners in Sub-saharan Africa is 45% which means they learn less than half of what was expected of them. The most effective technologies like adaptive learning could help close the learning gap.
AI has potential to improve learning
Luckily, Kenya is currently actively investigating ways to make these innovative tools available in sectors across the nation. The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in Kenya recently compiled and released the Blockchain & AI Report that “assessed how the emerging technological revolution could be applied to enhance Kenya’s impressive track record of ICT adoption and development.” The report argues that Blockchain and AI technologies “exhibit the most potential to be disruptive and transformative” while AI “exhibits the potential to improve learning outcomes by supporting the delivery of personalised virtual lessons.” M-Shule was used as a case study in the report, acknowledged as a [learning platform in Kenya that uses AI to track and analyse learner performance in order to satisfy their needs and increase their competency].
The tough truth is that access to technology in Africa is still a challenge. As Statista shows:
When we look at the internet for example, we see a penetration rate of only 35.2% penetration which is way far off the mark compared to the global average of 57%. This translates to over 880 million people in the continent who do not have access to the internet. AI bridges this connectivity gap by leveraging data for even the simplest devices to ensure that learners, for example, have access to quality lessons regardless of their geographical location and connectivity level.
With proper investments in emerging technologies such as AI on accessible devices, more solutions can be found to bridge the gap in education access globally. At M-Shule, we are excited to make adaptive learning accessible through the use of AI and SMS, delivering these impacts even through the simplest feature phones. This helps every student, no matter their income level or background build 21st century skills and benefit from the same learning gains as those seen around the world. We aim to unlock new opportunities for these students using innovation that prepares them for the next stages of their lives not only in education but also in their future careers.
