Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a technical solution. Instead, it’s a powerful tool that we can use to advance as a society, just as we did with fire, wheels, electricity and What’s up with internet discoveries?
He was speaking at a webinar on the opening day of the Hybrid AI and Education Conference organized by the non-profit organization Off the School (OTS).
“A glimpse into the future shows us AI software being used to create 3D videos to help explain complex ideas or processes, software for self-paced learning, and real-time speech-to-speech. Translation that can break down language barriers in education,” said Khan.
They discussed potential areas where AI can be used to improve access to education, such as AI personal assistants, remote learning, translation, mock test preparation, test evaluation, and fact checking. Scrutiny, especially in the context of Pakistan’s education crisis. Khan also introduced various AI tools, such as Google Assistant, Wolfram Alpha, Otter, and ChatGPT, to over a hundred webinar participants from various countries.
On AI helping school children, Pakistani computer scientist Ahsan Tariq, who holds a Masters in AI from the University of Edinburgh, discussed the potential of AI in middle school to college-level education. .
“We need systems to support scaffolding attributes,” he said. “There has been work in this domain, such as developing an Algorithm Visualization (ALVIS) software that helps children visualize how algorithms work. This system allows people to visualize better mental models of algorithms and help develop, which solves the problem of creating a better learning environment.”
Tariq, a researcher at Oregon State University in the US, highlighted the limitations of “Pakistan’s rigid and dogmatic education system”. Still, he saw the potential of AI as a recommendation engine that could learn students’ strengths and suggest different themes from around the world. He also mentioned that existing AI systems like Chat GPT can help students find quick solutions but emphasized the importance of data acquisition, interpretation, and debiasing for AI to be truly effective.
Speaking at the webinar, OTS founder and journalist Najam Suhrawardy said it is a tragedy that 22.8 million children do not go to school in Pakistan, and recent climate disasters have exacerbated the crisis.
Innovation is key to overcoming the challenges facing education in Pakistan. Without it, poverty and inequality will continue, leaving countless children without the opportunities they deserve,” Suhrawardy said.
“The use of AI-powered chatbots is just one example of the innovative solution needed to address the issue of out-of-school children. By creating customized lesson plans and educational materials, we at OTS can help these children in poverty. are providing an opportunity to break the cycle and achieve one’s full potential.”
Syed Kazim Jamal, Digital and Technology Transformation Consultant, Ernst & Young Global Limited, spoke about the importance of using AI to address educational inequalities and ensure access and equity for all. “Education is often regarded as the key to greater equality, upward mobility and a better life. However, the reality is that not everyone has access to quality education, and many are the cause of systemic inequality. We can’t afford to leave anyone behind,” Jamal said.
He also spoke about the great promise of AI to address these inequalities and how it is not just a technological solution but a moral imperative.
Waqas Ansari, an engineer at American company Motive, emphasized the potential of AI in solving complex problems and improving efficiency in various industries. He highlighted the importance of deep learning and reinforcement learning in AI and talked about recent advances in AI technology due to better hardware, software and data availability.
However, Waqas also acknowledged ethical concerns related to the use of AI, such as its impact on jobs and privacy. He emphasized the need for professionals with AI-related skills and the importance of continuous education and research in AI to unlock its full potential and mitigate potential risks.
Entrepreneur and digital marketer Mubasher Sakhi and Head of OTS Edtech Umama Ansari also addressed the webinar, which concluded with a question-and-answer session for teachers, parents and students. The two-day conference will conclude today (Sunday) with an on-campus workshop on the use of AI-powered chatbots in OTS.
