The U.S. Department of Education released its latest report card on the state of learning this fall, revealing significant declines in fourth and eighth grade math and reading scores between 2019 and 2022, even with COVID-19 pandemic protocols in place.
Transition to Online Learning
With a quick shift to online learning at the height of the pandemic, Sang-Pil Han, an associate professor of information systems at Arizona State University whose research focuses on artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and educational technologies, has been analysing the effects of learning loss and how to reverse it.
Learning Apps Can Close Learning Gaps
Han and his co-authors detail their research using QANDA, an AI-based learning app developed by Mathpresso Inc., in a new interdisciplinary paper. Han, a Mathpresso advisor, and his colleagues discovered that AI learning apps like QANDA can help close the learning loss gap for K-12 students, particularly if there is an immediate goal, such as taking a college placement exam.
However, as Han points out, the pandemic will not be the only disruption to education in the future. Yes, the world must brace itself for another pandemic, but there is also the reality of climate disasters, such as a hurricane, as families in Florida recently experienced with Hurricane Ian.
Then, there’s equity in education. Han explains why AI-powered learning apps serve students more broadly, and how they can deliver for businesses too.
Question: Why are AI-based apps more effective at closing the learning loss gap than, let’s say, a tutor?
Answer: AI-based learning apps deliver student-tailored educational content at an affordable price, with a few screen touches from their comfortable locations, without interruptions, at their own pace, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as long as students have internet access. In this regard, the advantages of AI-powered learning apps can be summed up in five categories: 1) affordability (saving money), 2) actionability (requiring less time/effort), 3) accommodability (personalised experience), 4) assurance (reliability and consistency in service), and 5) accessibility (greater reach to educational resources).
In addition to the aforementioned five “As,” AI-based learning apps are more effective for certain segments of students in terms of efficacy and experience. For example, when Gen Z interacts with AI technology, they learn not only more effectively but also (more enjoyably). AI-based learning apps are essential in the sense that they close the existing learning app, which is especially important for resource-constrained students who cannot afford personal tutors or who live in remote locations where access to tutors or test-prep institutions is limited.
Q: Does this research suggest that AI-based apps will be essential to everyday learning, regardless of whether we are in a pandemic?
A: This is something we see at ASU and other universities. The pandemic was a tipping point that accelerated and shaped the landscape of many industries, including education, not only in hybrid working but also in hybrid learning.
Q: The pandemic won’t be the last disruptor in education. How can this technology aid students and industry alike?
A: Natural disasters and pandemics affect students’ learning paths and have serious economic and social repercussions. Our research demonstrates that learning apps with AI capabilities can be crucial in preventing learning loss in such challenging circumstances. Our analysis has repercussions for both corporations and decision-makers in government and administration. The double bottom line of financial and social goals will be more easily attained for investors if they invest in edtech companies.
Considering the above factors, AI technology may become the answer to future education disruptors.
