[Guest Post] 8 Ways Machine Learning Will Improve Education

When Artificial Intelligence (AI) blew up and enabled us to do previously tricky tasks like medical diagnosis and surgery, most people thought it was the pinnacle of a digital revolution. In video games AI is used to create responsive, adaptive, or intelligent behavior, primarily in NPCs.

Few people believed that they would get to see Self-Driving vehicles in their lifetime, much less computer software that can convert speech to writing. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Machine Learning – a revolutionary tech invention that is set to change various aspects of life, particularly education and learning.

What is Machine Learning?

For those in the dark, Machine Learning is a field of study that involves teaching computer systems how to learn and “think” using data fed into their algorithms. It differs from Artificial Intelligence in that no programming is required, the system basically learns from the data it is filled over time.

It is said, Education is one of the fields that will benefit much from developments in Machine Learning. Potential benefits include:

1.     Marking and Grading

Machine Learning inventions will help Teachers and Professors mark exams, assignments and other papers in record time and with reasonable accuracy. Teachers will admittedly still need to correct some things in the marked papers that the machines can’t see. It will, however, take less of their time and energy while students will benefit from getting their results and grades within short time frames.

2.     School Management

Data-driven machines provide lots of opportunities in the running and management of schools. Principles and management staff are now able to effectively monitor activities like student registration, attendance, disciplinary records and test, and exam grading records. Examples School Management Information Systems (SMIS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that are commonly used include DietMaster, Edulog, IBM SPSS and Jenzabar.

3.     Learning Analytics

Machine Learning makes it possible for teachers and school administrators to collect data on their students, their circumstances and the way they process and retain knowledge. Sophisticated machines and software use predictive analytics to recommend the best learning environments to enhance the teaching and learning processes. Programs such as Knewton, Dreambox and Reasoning Mind lead the others in this aspect.

4.     Teaching Modules

Special programs are capable of keeping tabs on the effectiveness of various teaching methods and consequently assist teachers to create lesson plans and teaching modules. While some years ago teachers had to do everything manually, which often resulted in mistakes, Machine Learning simplifies their work and promotes better teaching practices. Schools and teachers can make use of programs like Gooru and IBM Watson Content Analytics to acquire customized lesson and content modules based on real-time data.

5.     Dynamic Scheduling

Different students grasp various concepts in varying degrees and speed. Some of them may even need some extra time with their teachers or tutors to improve their understanding. That’s where ML software like NewClassrooms and AbI Scheduler come in. These programs help students connect to available specialists in various fields of study at any time. Schools can use such programs to schedule sessions between their students and part-time tutors or even school-based teachers depending on availability.

6.     End-to-End Data Solutions

BrightBytes, for instance, analyzes academic data and transforms it into relevant and actionable information that can be used by educators and school management to improve their processes. It does this by collecting raw data from a given number of education systems, matching it with research-based frameworks and using Machine Learning and super fast predictive algorithms to determine each school’s particular needs.

7.     Drop-out Rates

Poor course selection is one of the major causes of drop-outs in college and universities. This is especially so when students choose courses under the influence of their peers or parents and eventually find it too difficult for them. With advances in data-based analytics, institutions can match students to suitable courses by comparing their past academic records to the courses or subjects they have taken. Armed with this information, advisors can direct students to courses that match their IQ and abilities, thereby reducing class drop-out rates. Sponsors will also use available software to determine who is likely to stay in school.

8.     Remote Learning

With the advent of machine learning and AI, more students are able to study even complex concepts through distance education or e-learning. Receiving material is made available online for students to access from any corner of the world.

Final Thoughts

Artificial Intelligence, of which Machine Learning is a subset, is slowly but surely taking over America and the world. According to Pew Research Group, more than 45% of Americans use AI in one form or another. The benefits listed above are only the tip of the iceberg, we are confident that as more advancements are made, the very core of our education systems will change for the better.

What are your thoughts? Do you think machine learning will revolutionize education?

Author’s bio

Joshua Sherman is one of the most widely known writers that specialize in technology. He has written many other informative articles, he mostly writes about technology. Apart from being an excellent writer, he loves traveling, playing games, watching TV and meeting new people from anywhere in the world.