Hello Blogging Buddies,

In my last blog, I wrote about how we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our everyday lives and the commonality of artificial intelligence in the workplace.  There are some really good things happening with artificial intelligence in so many areas. AI is working in ways that help humans work smarter not harder.  It is saving lives, keeping us safe, doing things in a fraction of the time it takes humans to do.  But as humans, we know that there are two sides to every story.  So is artificial intelligence the end all be all? We hear so much about the pros of artificial intelligence how about the cons?

This is a good video that discusses whether Artificial Intelligence really beneficial in today's world or if it is really too good to be true.

First, let us take a look at the different types of Artificial Intelligence that are either being used or on the horizon:

• Narrow also called Machine Learning- In this type of Artificial Intelligence machines/computers are taught to do tasks by humans.  Most current Artificial Intelligence falls into this category.  
• General also called Deep Learning- In this type of Artificial Intelligence machines/computers teach themselves, humans are no longer needed to teach them what to do or how to do it.  
• Cloud -This is an Internet of Things for the robots, computers, and machines, this would be where things learned by robots can be shared with other robots.

Keeping this in mind it is fair to say that as Artificial Intelligence evolves and moves through time, the pros and cons will also evolve.  As things stand now here is a look at some of the general cons as we are in the Machine Learning phase.  If you would like to read a full article on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence click on the link.  The disadvantages are summarized below: 

1. Cost- We all know that with any kind of technology there too is a cost associated and most times technology does not come cheap.  Repair and maintenance of machines and computers can be costly and software programs need updates to keep up with the times.  
2. Human replication or not?- Should human intelligence be replicated?  Machines do not have moral values or emotions, they cannot decide between right and wrong.  Let's consider the medical field for instance.  AI is reliant on logic and in code things are cut and dry.  In a life-threatening situation while a computer may make the decision that nothing else can be done for a patient based on the facts, the logistics, while a human doctor may see hope or a chance that a patient can live and keep trying lifesaving techniques.  
3. Artificial Intelligence doesn't necessarily improve with experience- Humans learn from experiences, things can shift our paradigm that will alter the way we react or handle the same situation when presented to us a second, third or several times.  
4. Lacking in original creativity- Creativity and imagination are not fortes of computers, machines, and robots.  Humans can adapt to things they see, hear, feel. 
5. Unemployment- Next to cost, unemployment is usually one of the most prevalent cons with regards to AI.  It seems so many jobs have already been taken over by some sort of machine or computer.  As AI develops and becomes even more sophisticated will humans even be needed in the workplace?  One certainly does wonder. 

Click on this video to find out about 15 jobs that will disappear within 20 years due to Artificial Intelligence.  

  

While these concerns are definitely valid concerns with Artificial Intelligence in general how about those specific to the field of Education?  In the article Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Education author, Deeksha Raj points out several cons of AI in Education.  You can read the full article here Pros and Cons of AI in Ed.  Let's take a look at those:

1. Initial Cost and Installation-While there are numerous benefits to using AI in Education the cost of installing, maintaining and repair AI can be astronomical especially to the majority of educational institutions.  
2. Addiction- Technology definitely makes our lives easier and we use it constantly.  Technology is addicting for users of all ages and school-aged children are not immune.  Students in today's schools are digital natives, they have grown up literally with technology in their hands.  
3. Emotionless Connections-While machines can easily handle the intellectual part of education they cannot substitute for personal interaction.  
4. Unemployment- Could AI in Education really replace human teachers?  Possibly, but at any rate, it could probably cut down on the need for as many teachers.  
5. Decision making- Computers are definitely capable of teaching content but what about all of those situations that come up in the classroom on a daily basis that need a quick decision? The ones that are not necessarily part of the lesson plan most definitely require a teachable moment.  It's not likely that a machine can handle those situations. 

In the article, "15 Pros and 6 Cons of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom" by LiveTiles they state that "The aim of artificial intelligence in the classroom shouldn't be to replace educators. It should make their jobs easier." Read the full article here 15 Pros and 6 Cons of AI. I think most educators welcome technology, even embrace it in the classroom.  Many cannot imagine teaching without it but even if it is a deep seeded fear in the back of their mind, they can see that it would be extremely unlikely for it to completely eradicate a human teacher in the classroom.  

I don't believe that anytime soon you will see educators handing their classrooms over to robots, partnering with them possibly, but not a handoff. With the surge in Artificial Intelligence in all areas of human life, there may come a day when we have developed technology so much that turning off the machine is no longer an option.  

References:

• Artificial Intelligence: A Devil In Disguise? | Whack & Epified. (2015, August 17). Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVa7Zw02zAQ&feature=youtu.be
• Nogrady, B. (2016, November 10). Future - The real risks of artificial intelligence. Retrieved February 24, 2018, from http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20161110-the-real-risks-of-artificial-intelligence
• Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence. (2015, April 23). Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence/
• Raj, D. (2017, September 13). Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Education. Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://onlinesearch.net/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-education/
• Reddy, K. (2018, January 05). Advantages and Disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence. Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://content.wisestep.com/advantages-disadvantages-artificial-intelligence/
• Tiles, L. (2018, January 31). 15 Pros and 5 Cons of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom. Retrieved February 24, 2018, from https://www.livetiles.nyc/blog/pros-cons-artificial-intelligence-classroom/
• Freeman, A., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Davis, A., and Hall Giesinger, C. (2017). NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2017 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.

When I hear the words artificial intelligence I think of robots and computers and machines doing what humans used to do. Robots, computers, and machines thinking for humans, replacing humans and human intelligence. I think to myself, oh that doesn't really apply to me, I don't use artificial intelligence in my life. Well, wait a minute, when you stop and think about it most humans nowadays use some form of artificial intelligence.  Siri makes our phone calls, manages our calendars, and checks our messages.  Alexa and Google Homes play our music, shop for us, keep us up to date on the weather, and answer our trivia questions.  I can ask them to turn on my lights or adjust the temperature in my house and they do.  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram suggest friends for us. Cars can park themselves and my own cell phone tracks not only my location but that of my friends and family as well.  When I want to change the channel on my television all I have to do is speak into the remote and the channel changes to my choice.  So when I stop and think about it, not only do I use artificial intelligence I do indeed use it several times a day. 

Individuals are not the only ones who use artificial intelligence (or AI as it is often referred to), several careers and occupations use artificial intelligences in their everyday workplace. Businesses, stock markets, banking, retail, travel, military, public safety, engineering, law enforcement and medical professions just to name a few.

Let's consider artificial intelligence in the field of education (often referred to as AIED) and take a peek at what that looks like. In the article "10 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education" author Anil Kumar suggests that artificial intelligence can be used in the following ways: "automate basic activities like grading, be adaptive to students needs, point out places where courses need improvements, get support from artificial tutors, and artificial intelligence can give students and educators feedback." These are a few ways that artificial intelligence can be used in the education field. As an educator, all of these sound wonderful, definitely promote the premise of working smarter not harder.

Kumar also mentions that artificial intelligence could: "change the role of the teacher, change how schools find, teach and support students, and where students learn, who teaches them, and how they acquire basic skills." You can read the full article here, 10 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education. As an educator, these sound like game changers to me. Will there even be a need for a teacher in the classroom? Will I be replaced by some kind of robot? Will there even be classrooms? Or even a school? Really students could just learn at any time, from any place. Brick and mortar school buildings could be a thing of the past.

Many researchers have concluded that artificial intelligence in education is the way of the future but getting there is somewhat of a daunting task.  Pearson, the world's learning company, wrote an informative piece outlining the steps, hurdles, and costs that need to be overcome before artificial intelligence is commonplace in the education field.  This link will take you to the insightful and informative article. Intelligence Unleashed: An Argument for AI in Education.   

As it stands now, robots are not ready to replace classroom teachers. They may rival a human's intelligence or even surpass it but at this time they can't replicate the human emotions and connections that make the teacher-student bond.  This bond is vital to student success and at the current time cannot be replaced by a robot or computer no matter how intelligent they are.  

Click on the video below to hear more about Artificial Intelligence and the Teacher

Relationship in the classroom.

Below is an Infographic that gives a snapshot

of Artificial Intelligence in Education.

References:

• Https://www.pearson.com/content/dam/corporate/global/pearson-dot-com/files/innovation/Intelligence-Unleashed-Publication.pdf[Pamphlet]. (n.d.).

• Kumar, A. (2017, September 04). 10 Roles For Artificial Intelligence In Education. Retrieved February 17, 2018, from https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/10-roles-for-artificial-intelligence-in-education/

• Freeman, A., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Davis, A., and Hall Giesinger, C. (2017). NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: 2017 K-12 Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.