AI versus IA: What’s the Difference?
Image of female at her desk looking at paper with a computer in front of her.
When we talk about the future of Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the way it can be leveraged is something that is exciting and generating a lot of interest. It is also fair to say that there is some concern about what AI will be able to do and how it may take over our jobs. This is somewhat true however, what I don't think people are as familiar with is the notion of Intelligence Augmentation (IA) which is the process of using technology to enhance human capabilities.
What is the difference between AI and IA?
AI is the process of using computers to perform tasks that normally require a human; it often replaces the work of a human and is based purely on data. In education, this could be used to replace administrative duties that take time from the educator and support the learners in ways that weren't previously possible. Take Grammarly for example, this AI-based app is powered by various AI techniques including machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing to improve your writing. It provides options for learners to scaffold their writing from punctuation, grammar, and even conciseness. By doing this, learners are exposed to different rules they may not have previously been aware of. IA however, uses AI to enhance the role of humans rather than replace it. So, using the Grammarly example, IA is humans’ ability to make a judgement based on the recommendation as to whether or not it is right for them. Therefore, the key difference between the two is the fact that the educator's and/or learner's judgement is used to make an informed decision.
Does AI remove the need for teachers?
The advancements in AI have led to much speculation about whether or not it will replace the need for teachers. At the end of the day, AI is gathering large amounts of data that a human would not be able to. Its ability to scan endless data sets and make decisions based on an algorithm enables us to use this information and make informed decisions. The potential for AI to create personalised, interactive learning experiences, and review data to provide insights to both learners and educators is both exciting and terrifying. This is where the role of IA comes in; as educators, you can monitor learner progress, make informed, holistic decisions for learners, and provide care and compassion that AI simply cannot. What it can do, however, if you are open to it, is to compliment you as an educator, and help you to achieve better results through tracking learner performance, providing feedback and even potentially suggesting teaching strategies. Think about some of the processes that could be automated such as grading and/or attendance; and how this would enable you to focus on teaching rather than the administrative side of things.
Summary
Ultimately, AI can be invaluable but only when coupled with IA. So, next time you are thinking about whether AI replace your profession, think about how AI and IA can work together to enhance the learner experience.
