Ресурсы

‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) refers to the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. In order to achieve transformational change in contemporary curriculum systems and learning environments, we need to engender an orbitshifting dialogue about the potential relationship between AI and education, in terms of both independent variables (threats), and dependent variables (opportunities). Through such a dialogue, we need to create foresight indicators that can predict the process of this relationship. It is, however, crucial that the relationship between AI and education is strong and directly proportionate. If the potential of the relationship is not exploited sufficiently, then underdeveloped education systems will lag behind and fail to achieve their potential for transformation, whether radical or incremental. Indeed, some may even become obsolete.

The paper contends that in order to effectively contribute to the knowledge economy and to sustainable development in the age of the 4th Industrial Revolution (characterized by a fusion of cyber-physical technologies) modern educational systems need to overcome obstacles to innovation in order to maximize the potential for transformative change. To achieve this will require an ‘orbital shift’ in educational planning, practice and resourcing, to enable schools to respond more effectively to the rapidly changing needs of young people, society, the economy and environment in the third decade of the 21st century. Schools, educational institutions and environments, need to transform from being primarily spaces for teaching and taking exams, into spaces for innovation and personal learning, based on a culture of actively listening to the voices, choices, needs and goals of learners. Teachers need to become facilitators, coaches and mentors for learners. Schools need to create AI-enabled, flexible, collaborative working spaces. Visionary, energetic educational leaders need to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including employers and parents, to inspire and manage change and smart decision-making to develop schools of the future.

The aim of this reflection is to initiate an ‘orbit-shifting’ dialogue about the potential of AI applications to transform all components of the curriculum system to meet emergent 21st century educational goals. The conceptualization aims to explore the variable roles and impact of curriculum learning and assessment on these emerging educational goals. Theme 1 of the paper outlines the concepts and characteristics of a range of existing AI systems and their potential to enhance teaching learning and assessment. Theme 2 reflects on the potential to embrace AI systems across the curriculum system. Theme 3 proposes an action model to enable AI to have an ‘orbit shifting impact’ on all the components of the curriculum system (i.e. learners, teachers, learning environments, leadership and management, content, pedagogy and assessment) by enhancing opportunities for individualization, creativity and uniqueness.