Artificial Intelligence in Education

A rudimentaryRudimentary tool of computationComputation, the AbacusAbacus was invented around 2,500 BCBC ( https://www.ecb.torontomu.ca/~elf/abacus/history.html ). It was not until the eighteenth centuryCentury when the theory of probability was put forward. Subsequent evolution of computerComputers technology, in the last century, occurred on the shoulders of statistics, micro-circuitry, human behaviour, and engineering, to name a few disciplines. Even though the name “Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence (AI)” (AI) was used in the 1950s, the theory was conceived earlier in the century. However, the computersComputers of the time did not have enough computing capacity to put those theories into practice. Later advancementsAdvancement in hardwareHardware and software technologyTechnology and microchip manufacturing heraldedHeralded the current informationInformation age. At the time of writing these words, a billion-billion operations per second are possible using the super-computers. This advancementAdvancement enabled the computersComputers of the present time to process images, voice, and sounds into dataData accessible for manipulation and functionality in every walk of life. A glossary of new terminology describing the AIArtificial intelligence (AI)-related terms was created to describe the related conceptsConcepts, equipment, operations, results, challenges, and more. Some of the commonly used terms are Machine learningMachine Learning (ML), Deep learningDeep learning (DL), Internet of ThingsInternet of Things (IoT), smart devices, Big Data, chatbots, decision support, self-driving cars, etceteraEtcetera. All the above opened the doors of an enormous body of knowledge, functionality, predictability, simulation, and customization for education and learning to businesses, research, defence, governance, and virtually every other sphere of human need. In education, AIArtificial intelligence (AI) has made the tasks of devising curriculumCurriculum, learning, teaching, examining, testing and evaluationEvaluation, administration,Administration and finance more efficient, objective, and transparent. Customization of the above functions has helped students and teachers to achieve greater success by targeting the individual student’s needs. Experts have suggested that AIArtificial intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy and the future holds unimaginable promise for mankind.