Introduction to AI in Education
Ludivina Herrera, rector of the Universidad Latinoamericana, emphasizes that artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance teaching methods and make lessons more creative, understandable, and effective. This applies regardless of the teaching level or subject area.
High Demand for Teachers in Mexico
Mexico has approximately 2,160,440 teachers serving 29 million students nationwide, according to the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP). AI can be a valuable tool to streamline and improve the efficiency of these classes.
A high school teacher, for instance, faces daily challenges in engaging groups of 10 to 35 students. They must capture attention, be clear, incorporate interactive activities, and provide practical materials to create dynamic and efficient lessons.
AI: From Threat to Opportunity
Initially perceived as a threat, AI was feared to replace human jobs. However, it became evident that human interaction and attributes are crucial, transforming AI into a significant opportunity of the millennium. Now, the focus is on how technology reshapes the teacher’s role, enabling personalized teaching, automating tasks, and prioritizing human interaction and socioemotional development.
Interview with Ludivina Herrera
In an interview with El Economista, Ludivina Herrera, an education specialist, highlights that teachers today face new challenges. She discusses the impact of new technologies on education, how to coexist with them, and how to leverage AI and various available applications—both free and paid.
Herrera stresses the importance of coexistence and utilization, acknowledging that technology can improve search, analysis, discernment, and argumentation skills. However, she questions how to effectively combine technology with teachers’ expertise to elevate students’ cognitive levels.
AI’s Advantages and Concerns
Herrera explains that AI automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks, allowing teachers to focus on high-value activities like teaching and learning. It offers benefits such as more engaging presentations and precise, effective software for summaries.
However, there are concerns from students’ perspectives. AI can lead to plagiarism and exacerbate educational inequality, as access to technology remains uneven.
Educational institutions must address infrastructure and prepare the community. Herrera warns that neglecting technology can lead to significant disadvantages, as seen in previous technological eras.
The Indispensable Human Role in Education
Herrera emphasizes that a teacher’s guiding role is irreplaceable. Teachers observe, foster, and analyze students’ competencies and cognitive development, connecting various aspects for better decision-making in the classroom.
She highlights that human understanding of emotions, connection with students, clear communication, and other unique human qualities cannot be replaced by machines.
Embrace Experimentation
Herrera encourages teachers not to fall behind, urging them to explore AI applications, understand their capabilities, and address basic questions through experimentation.
Teachers should reflect on AI’s limitations within the classroom, focusing on measuring cognitive skills through dialogue, listening, role-playing, and active learning methodologies rather than perfect essays generated by applications.
Herrera calls for teachers to experiment with various tools, adapt their teaching methods—traditionally based on exposition or case studies—and integrate more active methodologies, including AI, supported by institutions to ensure affordable digital literacy.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the role of AI in education? AI can enhance teaching methods, making lessons more creative, understandable, and effective.
- How can teachers effectively use AI? Teachers should explore AI applications, understand their capabilities, and integrate them into their teaching methods while maintaining human connection and unique qualities.
- What are the concerns regarding AI in education? Concerns include potential plagiarism, exacerbating educational inequality, and the need for digital literacy.
- Why is the human role in education irreplaceable? Teachers’ unique abilities to understand emotions, connect with students, and communicate clearly cannot be replicated by machines.
- How should teachers approach AI integration? Teachers should embrace experimentation, adapt their methods, and integrate active learning methodologies supported by institutions to ensure affordable digital literacy.
