Embracing AI in Education

                                         Embracing AI in Education

Change has always been met with suspicion and doubt, as it often brings discomfort and invites resistance. Throughout history, various technological advancements have fundamentally shifted the way humans live. From the discovery of iron that led to the rise of empires, to the invention of the printing press shaping a new world, and the scientific revolution that dethroned monarchies and facilitated the industrial revolution - technology and human history have always been intertwined, inseparable from each other.

Now, at a crucial juncture in history, artificial intelligence (AI) is making significant strides and is set to impact almost every sphere of human activity. Unsurprisingly, education cannot remain untouched by the revolution AI is bringing to our daily lives. As AI replaces the need for human labor in various sectors, concerns and resistance have emerged, particularly among teachers.

The worries are understandable; teachers fear that if AI can answer all questions, what is the need for human teachers? Additionally, there's concern that students might easily copy answers from AI-generated assignments. However, rather than resisting change, this is an opportune moment for a fundamental shift in education.

Throughout history, education systems have mistakenly operated on the notion that a teacher's primary role is to provide answers. Students were considered good if they could simply reiterate the answers given by the teacher. This approach, termed the "banking model of education" by Friere, left little room for questioning. The true primary need for a teacher in the classroom, however, is to teach students how to ask questions.

AI might just be the catalyst that helps educators shift their focus to cultivating the skill of questioning in students. If teachers continue to be the sole providers of answers, they may soon become redundant as AI can often answer more accurately. However, if they embrace the art of questioning, their role remains vital in the classroom. This, undoubtedly, is the most promising alternative for the future of education.

Yet, instilling a pedagogy of questioning in classrooms is no easy task. In societies deeply rooted in structured hierarchies, questioning can destabilize the status quo and the power dynamics. It requires an extraordinary effort to foster a culture of questioning in the education system.

Questioning inherently leads to vulnerability, and this is where our teachers need to focus their efforts. Being vulnerable in the classroom is not a lesson they have learned, but it opens a world of opportunities for both teachers and students to learn and grow. Connecting with students on a deeper level, understanding their perspectives, and guiding them in the right direction becomes possible through the process of questioning.

The integration of AI in the classroom should not be perceived as a threat to teachers' roles. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for a new generation of educators to embrace the role of learners themselves. With AI's presence, both teachers and students become learners, and their primary task is to ask questions - the right questions that can bring about a fundamental shift in the education system.

In conclusion, the revolution of AI in education is an invitation to reimagine the role of teachers and students alike. It's time to break free from the traditional banking model of education and foster a culture of questioning. By doing so, we can create a more dynamic and enriching learning environment that prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Embracing AI and the power of questioning is the way forward in shaping a brighter future for education