Exploring the Future of Education at AIED 2023 Conference in Tokyo
By: Eryka Wilson
The field of education is undergoing a transformative journey, driven by advancements in technology and the quest for more effective learning methodologies. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) has emerged as a prominent platform for researchers, educators, and industry professionals to discuss and showcase the latest innovations. AIED 2023, held in the vibrant city of Tokyo, Japan, served as a hub for ideas, collaborations, and insights that promise to shape the future of AI education. In this blog post, we delve into the highlights of the conference and explore some of the groundbreaking developments that took place.
- The Venue and Atmosphere: Tokyo, the bustling metropolis, played host to the AIED 2023 conference. The city’s modern infrastructure and vibrant culture provided an ideal backdrop for the event. The conference venue, Hitotsubashi University, buzzed with energy as attendees from around the globe gathered to share their research and experiences. The atmosphere was brimming with anticipation as participants eagerly awaited the unveiling of cutting-edge research into AI in education, innovative learning approaches, and insightful discussions.
- Keynote Sessions and Thought Leaders: The conference kicked off with a series of captivating keynote sessions delivered by distinguished thought leaders in the field of education and artificial intelligence. Renowned speakers, including leading researchers, educators, and industry experts, provided inspiring insights into the intersection of AI and education. The presentations covered a wide range of topics, from personalized learning algorithms and intelligent tutoring systems to gamification and virtual reality in education.
One of the keynote speakers, Professor Benedict du Boulay, an expert in artificial intelligence at the University of Sussex, presented his keynote that focused on intelligent tutoring systems, personalized instruction, and cognitive processes in learning. He investigated how AI can enhance educational experiences, emphasizing user-centered design and usability factors. Du Boulay’s research aims to improve the effectiveness of AI technologies in supporting learners and educators, with a focus on learner modeling and adaptive feedback. He emphasized the importance of developing empathetic and socially intelligent AI systems that can foster meaningful connections between students and virtual tutors.
- Research Papers and Innovative Projects: The heart of AIED 2023 lay in the diverse array of research papers and innovative projects presented by scholars and practitioners from around the world. Attendees had the opportunity to attend parallel sessions focused on specific themes, such as adaptive learning, intelligent assessment, and educational data mining.
- One notable project showcased during the conference was a collaborative effort between researchers and educators to develop a virtual reality-based nursing education. By leveraging AI-powered VR technology, nursing students developed interview skills with new patients. The project demonstrated the potential of virtual reality as a powerful tool for engaging students and enhancing much needed humanistic skills using a non-human agent.
Additionally, several research papers presented novel approaches to adaptive learning, leveraging AI algorithms to tailor educational content based on individual learner characteristics. These personalized learning systems showed promising results in increasing student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Panel Discussions and Networking Opportunities: AIED 2023 fostered engaging panel discussions that brought together experts from academia, industry, and government bodies. These sessions delved into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in education, addressing ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and the role of educators in shaping the future of AI-powered learning environments.
- Moreover, the conference provided ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and form collaborations. Participants could engage in informal discussions during coffee breaks or attend organized social events in the evenings, facilitating meaningful interactions and sparking new partnerships.
- ReadyAI’s role at the AIED 2023 conference: Eryka Wilson, of ReadyAI, Keiser University, and the University of Pittsburgh, presented the poster entitled “A Fresh Squeeze on Data: Exploring Gender Differences in Self-Efficacy and Career Interest in Computing Science and Artificial Intelligence among Elementary Students.” The poster presented research that contributed to a corpus of evidence arguing that CS, AI, and data science interventions must be a) implemented early, b) implemented regularly, and c) implemented equitably. ReadyAI’s research demonstrated that such interventions increase students’ interest levels and self-efficacy in AI at statistically significant levels.
The research did not, however, demonstrate significantly higher improvements in said self-efficacy when bifurcated for gender differences in students. This helps demonstrate how younger learners, third grade in this study, have not yet self-selected into interest and career fields based on their gender identification. Future research should explore such targeted interventions at older grade levels when such self-selection and self-discrimination become more prominent.
Eryka also participated in several workshops and discussions, including a discussion that focused on bridging research and practice through policy setting, hosted by Seiji Isotoni of Harvard and Erin Walker of the University of Pittsburgh. She also participated in practitioner sessions, where she called on researchers to provide “out of the box solutions” for practitioners.
Conclusion: AIED 2023 proved to be an enlightening and inspiring event, showcasing the immense potential of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of education. The conference in Tokyo provided a vibrant platform for thought leaders, researchers, and educators to exchange ideas, present groundbreaking projects, and discuss emerging trends in the field.
A Fresh Squeeze on Data is available on www.freshsqueezekids.com
This article was written by Eryka Wilson (eryka@readyai.org). Eryka is Program Director at ReadyAI.org
To learn more about ReadyAI, visit www.readyai.org or email us at info@readyai.org
