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Artificial Intelligence

4 Artificial intelligence in education: The three paradigms | Review

Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld

Article

Ouyang, F. & Jiao, P. (2021). Artificial intelligence in education: The three paradigms. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 2, 100020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2021.100020

Authors

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Fan Ouyang 欧阳璠 and Dr. Pengcheng Jiao are research professors in the College of Education at Zhejiang University in China. Dr. Ouyang’s research predominantly centers at the intersection of collaborative learning, learning analytics implementation, and pedagogy development, while Dr. Jiao works with analytical modeling and computational engineering.

REVIEW

Summary

The comprehensive analysis present in the article “Artificial intelligence in education: The three paradigms is authored by Fan Ouyang and Pengcheng Jiao, research professors in the College of Education at Zhejiang University in China. Dr. Ouyang’s research predominantly centers at the intersection of collaborative learning, learning analytics implementation, and pedagogy development, while Dr. Jiao works with analytical modeling and computational engineering.
Artificial Intelligence in Education: The Three Paradigms provides a thorough overview of the different approaches to incorporating artificial intelligence in education (AIED). The paper aims to examine the interconnectedness of AI with existing educational and learning theories and identifies three main paradigms of AIED: AIdirected, AIsupported, and AIempowered. The AIdirected paradigm involves using AI to automate tasks and provide tailored feedback to students. The AIsupported paradigm enhances teaching effectiveness and supplements student learning with additional resources and support. The AIempowered paradigm gives students control over their own learning process. Additionally, the paper highlights key challenges and limitations in AIED, such as the need for more research on its effectiveness, ethical concerns, and the necessity of teacher training and support. The authors argue that further research and collaboration are crucial to fully harnessing the potential of AIED and transforming traditional educational practices.

Research Method

Informed by a theoretical perspective, the authors conducted a systematic literature review to develop the three AIED paradigms, selecting relevant papers from academic databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, ACM, IEEE, Taylor & Francis, and EBSCO. The search was conducted using a combination of keywords related to artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence, AI, AIED, machine intelligence, machine learning, intelligent tutoring system, expert system, recommender system,recommendation system, feedback system, personalized learning, adaptive learning,prediction system) and educational theory (theory, theoretical, theoretical framework,behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, connectivism, complexity), including at least one keyword from each group. The purpose of the research was to identify relevant literature published from 1990 to 2021, based on the educational theories that underpin AIEd. To address their research questions, the authors analyzed selected articles and categorized them based on the design and implementation of AI technologies, the role of AI in the learning an instruction processes, and the impact of AI technologies on education.

FINDINGS

Due to its nature as a position paper, the findings primarily focus on the classification and explanation of the three AIED paradigms: AIdirected, AIsupported, and AIempowered. In the AIdirected paradigm, inspired by behaviorism, AI leads in cognitive learning, with students being passive recipients. In the AIsupported paradigm, based on cognitivism’s emphasis on mental processes, AI assists teachers while students collaborate with AI. In the AIempowered paradigm, consistent with constructivism’s emphasis on active participation, AI empowers students to control their own learning.

The paper also discusses the challenges and limitations associated with each paradigm. The AIdirected paradigm poses the risk of excessive reliance on AI, resulting in reduced student agency. The AIsupported paradigm may lead to AI replacing human teachers and struggles with personalization. Finally, the AIempowered paradigm carries the risk of students being overly dependent on autonomy and lacking guidance. The authors argue that a combination of all three paradigms is necessary to fully tap into the potential of AIED, providing personalized, adaptable, and studentcentered learning experiences.

IMPACT AND REFLECTIONS FOR THE FIELD AND FOR PRACTICE

The paper has significant implications for the field of education. Firstly, it offers a framework for understanding the different AIED paradigms and their potential impact on teaching and learning. This framework can guide educators and researchers in designing and evaluating AIbased educational interventions. Secondly, it underscores the need for further research into the effectiveness of AI in education and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. Such research can inform best practices across a range of educational settings, including K12, higher education, and corporate training. Thirdly, it highlights the vital role of adequately training and supporting teachers in the implementation of AIED. Educators need the skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate AI into their teaching methods and support students in utilizing AI tools. Finally, the paper suggests that AI has the ability to transform traditional educational practices by offering personalized, adaptable, and studentcentered learning experiences and can impact various educational contexts, from K12 classrooms to corporate training programs.

The research presented in the article has practical applications in educational settings. Among these applications, it is relevant to highlight that educators can use the framework outlined in this paper to design and evaluate AIbased educational tools. By understanding the different AIED paradigms and their underlying theories, educators can select appropriate AI tools for their specific educational contexts. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the value of training and supporting teachers in implementing AIED. Educators must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate AI into their teaching practices and assist students in utilizing AI tools effectively. This can be achieved through professional development programs and institutional support. Lastly, the paper highlights the need for further research into the effectiveness of AI in education and the associated ethical implications. Educators can contribute to this research by conducting their own studies and sharing their findings with the broader educational community.

LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE STUDIES

While this study offers valuable insights, the authors acknowledge that their search for relevant articles was limited to specific databases and keywords, potentially resulting in the omission of pertinent articles, and affecting the comprehensiveness of the findings. To address this limitation, future research could expand the search to include additional databases and keywords. Additionally, the paper primarily focuses on theoretical frameworks and does not delve deeply into the practical aspects of AI implementation in education. Future research could bridge this gap by conducting case studies or surveys to explore how AI is used in practice and what factors contribute to its success or failure. Researchers could also conduct more detailed analyses of specific AI tools and techniques to gain a deeper understanding of their effectiveness across diverse educational contexts. Lastly, while the paper acknowledges the ethical implications of using AI in education, these issues are not thoroughly explored. Future research could delve into these ethical concerns, including matters related to privacy, bias, and the evolving role of human teachers in AIenhanced learning environments.