Striking the Perfect Balance

Stefanie Mc-E
Nov 5, 2023
3 min read

In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as the popular ChatGPT, into the field of education has been a subject of much debate and excitement. As a middle school educator and graduate student in a course called “Electronic Assessment for Teaching and Learning” my thoughts on assessment and technology are ever-evolving. I find myself contemplating the potential benefits and drawbacks of utilizing AI as a resource for assessment and to aid me and my fellow educators in providing feedback and grading processes.

A female student is holding hands with a robot. — A balance of human interaction with artificial intelligence in educational assessment.

Four Benefits of AI in Assessment

Efficiency and Time-Saving: One of the primary advantages of AI in education assessment is its ability to streamline the grading process. AI technologies can rapidly evaluate assignments, quizzes and even essays, providing educators with more time to focus on instructional planning and interacting with students. This not only reduces the burden on teachers but also offers more prompt feedback to students which could enhance the learning experience.
Objectivity and Consistency: AI can mitigate issues related to subjectivity and inconsistency in grading. Human graders may have biases, while AI systems like ChatGPT or MagicSchol provide a standardized and impartial assessment. This is particularly beneficial for high-stakes exams, where fairness and accuracy are paramount.
Personalized Learning: AI driven assessments such as i-Ready can help tailor instruction to individual student needs. By analyzing data on student performance, educators can identify areas where students struggle and offer targeted interventions. This personalization can enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning (Young, 2021).
Accessibility: AI technologies can make education more accessible. They can assist students with disabilities such as dyslexia, by providing real-time text-to-speech capabilities, language translations for English Language Learners, and other accommodations, promoting inclusivity in the learning environment.

Four Drawbacks of AI in Assessment

Lack of Contextual Understanding: AI, despite its advancements, still struggles to understand context and nuance. In assessing essays or projects, it may misinterpret the student’s intent, missing the richness of human thought. This limitation could lead to inaccuracies in grading and feedback.
Loss of Human Element: Education is not just about transmitting knowledge; it also involves mentorship and personal connections between teachers and students. Relying too heavily on AI for assessment could eliminate the human touch that makes education special. The bonds between students and teachers cannot be replicated through AI.
Security and Ethical Concerns: AI based assessment may raise concerns about data privacy and security. Protecting student data and ensuring the ethical use of AI technologies are crucial issues that need careful consideration (Young, 2021).
Uneven Access to Technology: Not all educational institutions or students have equal access to AI technologies. The digital divide can exacerbate educational inequalities, leaving some students and educators at a disadvantage.

Conclusion

In evaluating technology’s role in education and assessment, I advocate for a balanced approach. AI enhances efficiency but should complement, not replace, human expertise. Educators should embrace AI as a valuable tool while upholding the irreplaceable qualities of human judgment and empathy. A thoughtful AI integration must prioritize data security and ethics. Training educators and students to use AI tools effectively and understand their limitations is crucial rather than looking at the AI tools in fear or an easy way to earn an A. It’s a delicate balance between AI’s efficiency and human understanding, aiming to enhance rather than replace education. Practicing diligence is imperative as we navigate this coexistence of technology and human expertise in learning and assessment.

References

Curriculum Associates. (2023, November 5). i-Ready Learning. https://www.curriculumassociates.com/programs/i-ready-learning

Magic School. (n.d). https://www.magicschool.ai/

OpenAI.(n.d). ChaptGPT. https://openai.com/chatgpt

Young, Jeffrey. R. (Executive Producer). (2021, October 5). Should robots replace teachers?

[Audio podcast]. EdSurge.