SKUDAI (JOHOR), Aug 28: The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and significant challenges, particularly in education, in an increasingly digital world.
The subject was the focus of a recent workshop attended by 33 primary school teachers at Sekolah Tun Aminah here, where the complexities of AI’s role in education were explored at length and in depth.
Opened by the Director-General of Education, Hj Azman Adnan, the workshop was spearheaded by University Book Store Malaysia (UBSM) to also emphasise the importance of the English language and showcase various EdTech products like EnglishCentral, Scholastic Literacy Pro, Pickatale and Edysynch.
Focusing on the “AI Dilemma” faced by educators today, the workshop deliberated on AI having the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning as it offered personalised educational experiences and innovative tools for both teachers and students.
The discussions also touched on the integration of AI into the classroom, which has raised critical ethical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for technology to replace human interaction in education.
Teachers who attended the session were encouraged to think critically about the use of AI in their classrooms as the importance of maintaining a balance between embracing technological advancements and safeguarding the ethical principles that underpinned quality education were rigorously debated upon.
Discussions also included the potential risks of relying too heavily on AI-driven tools, such as the possibility of reinforcing existing biases and the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are inclusive and accessible to all students.
The workshop underscored the need for ongoing dialogue and professional development as AI continues to evolve.
As the educators at Sekolah Tun Aminah reflected on the implications of AI in their teaching practices, the talk served as a reminder that while AI can be a powerful tool, its application in education must be guided by ethical considerations and a commitment to foster equitable learning environments.
This introductory session at Skudai served as a stepping stone for educators to explore the vast possibilities AI offered in the classroom.
UBSM plans plans to organise a full-day training session that will offer a more comprehensive exploration of AI in education and allow for more in-depth hands-on activities and a thorough examination of AI tools and their implementation in various aspects of teaching.
Educators interested in further developing their AI skills in education can contact UBSM at: 0123771440 (Ivan Oon)