A Journey Towards Understanding AI and Its Benefit As A Community Leader

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction, with a goal of creating systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. In today’s world, while AI  holds great promise for enhancing education, many often associate AI with its negative effects. For example, the reliance on AI tools such as Chat GPT can reduce the impact and quality of education students are receiving, while also putting them at risk of academic consequences such as plagiarism. However, while AI tools can be misused, it is emerging as a powerful tool to help students succeed if used correctly. By providing personalized and accessible learning and offering data-driven insights, AI transforms traditional educational methods and tailors them to meet individual needs, equipping students with the resources and support necessary to excel academically and personally. As AI continues to advance, its potential to create more engaging, efficient, and inclusive learning environments holds great promise for the future of education. Therefore, while leveraging AI's benefits, it is crucial to ensure a balanced and equitable educational environment. 

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about the foundations of AI, its impact on our future, and opportunities within this field through Illuminate Universe’s handful of career development experiences. Here is a review of my experience and key takeaways.

As a student, there have been many times when I was in a time crunch, which is not an uncommon experience. A time when I had a test the next day and I felt extremely unprepared. A time when I didn't know how to start studying for that test, and it was too late to ask my tutor and teacher for help. Luckily, I now know how to overcome such obstacles to ensure that I ace every test, using the knowledge I gained through my learning journey as a community leader at Illuminate Universe. In fact, I was already able to put this knowledge to use, as I used AI to create a schedule for me to ensure that I am on top of my learning and tasks, and also to help consolidate my notes!

Below are 3 tips as to how AI can help you achieve your academic goals this upcoming school year:

• Personalized Learning:

• AI can create customized learning experiences that adapt to individual student needs, pacing, and learning styles to help students grasp concepts at their own speed, increasing their understanding and retention. This is as AI analyzes the student’s performance and learning styles (ex: visual or auditory learner) to create personalized learning plans. These systems adjust the difficulty and type of content based on the student's progress, ensuring that each student receives an appropriate level of challenge and support.

• AI-powered tutoring systems can provide additional support and explanations for topics students find challenging, offering instant guidance. This is incredibly useful if a student has a last-minute question and cannot reach a tutor or teacher in time. AI also has the ability to adjust lessons in real time based on immediate feedback from the student’s interactions, providing additional resources or alternative explanations if needed.

• One popular and highly effective tool is Quizlet's AI-powered flashcards, in which AI generates accurate definitions, explanations, and example sentences. This tool makes it easier for students to grasp and memorize concepts. Additionally, Quizlet’s adaptive learning technology tailors the review process to each student’s needs, adjusting the frequency of flashcard reviews based on individual performance. These AI-driven features allow the student to spend more time reviewing the flashcards, rather than creating them, allowing them to work more efficiently. 

• Accessibility:

• AI tools such as Google Translate offer real-time translation services, breaking down language barriers for non-native speakers. This ensures that students can understand and engage with educational content regardless of their language proficiency.

• AI possesses the ability to help students with disabilities by providing tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and other assistive technologies that make learning more accessible. This assists students with hearing impairments or those who prefer reading over listening, or conversely, students with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

• AI tools can also convert standard text into various formats, such as large print, or audio, ensuring that students with different needs can access the same content in a comfortable manner
  

• Data-Driven Insights:

• AI can analyze student performance data to identify strengths and weaknesses, providing insights for both students and their supporters, such as teachers and tutors, and allowing for timely interventions. AI can also compare a student’s performance with that of their peers, providing insights into how they are performing relative to others.

• AI can analyze a student’s performance data and learning habits to suggest optimized study schedules. These plans help to ensure that students are using their time effectively, focusing more on areas where they need improvement. AI can help students set realistic academic goals based on data analysis and track their progress toward achieving them, providing a clear sense of direction.

In fact, there are many career opportunities in the field of AI, allowing you to be at the forefront of technological innovation, shaping industries across the globe. Professionals in AI engage in diverse roles, ranging from data and research scientists to engineers and AI specialists. As AI continues to evolve, the demand continues to grow for this profession, harnessing its potential to solve complex problems and drive transformative change in fields such as finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, and beyond.

Reflecting back on this experience as a community leader, not only have I learned how I can be more efficient with my studying using AI, but I have also learned how to conduct research and write informative and engaging pieces. All in all, I’ve really enjoyed my time as a Community Leader so far, and the impact it has allowed me to make on my community and also on my personal and professional development.