In
an era propelled by technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence (AI)
has seamlessly integrated itself into the educational fabric worldwide,
presenting an array of benefits for schools, colleges, and universities. As
educational institutions across the world embark on this transformative
journey, and Cambodia, being an economic giant in the making, it is imperative
for educational stakeholders to comprehend and embrace the potential of AI presence
to the future of the education.
The
AI Revolution: Overcoming Resistance
When
ChatGPT hit the streets on November 30, 2022, the reaction from sceptical
educational institutions, administrators and teachers was negative. Even though
Cambodia has never been able to use ChatGPT due to the fact that the country is
not supported, technological enthusiasts found a way to circumvent and still
use it. As pundits had already put it across, better AI tools were and are to
come and already the internet is awash with several AI tools for one to use.
Educators are presented with a wide choice on which AI tool to use. The initial
resistance to AI, as epitomized by ChatGPT, unveiled a profound reluctance to
embrace change, particularly from those rooted in the pre-computer age
generation who think usage of computers has effects of producing half-baked graduates. Just as psychologists
like Kurt Lewin put it across, resistance to change is always inevitable and
it’s worse when it comes to technological issues. However, those who resist
technology do it at their own peril.
Advantages
for Educational Institutions
The
integration of AI in education offers a paramount advantage in time-saving,
liberating educators from the burdensome tasks of preparing teaching materials
and handling administrative duties. This shift allows educators to concentrate
on strategic teaching methodologies, fostering an environment where creativity
and innovation thrive in tandem with the 21st-century learning dimensions of
collaboration, critical thinking, usage of ICT tools and so on. Notably, in the
United States, educators have redefined their approach by encouraging student
interaction with AI tools, providing instant feedback and honing critical
thinking skills.
Cambodian
educational institutions, whether private or government-backed, must recognise
this paradigm shift and leverage the exponential growth of AI to enhance the
learning experience for students at all levels. With the internet available,
affordable and of respectable speed in Cambodia, the ball is in the courts of
all progressive institutions to maximise the potential that AI brings in
enhancing quality futuristic education.
Teachers
and AI: A Symbiotic Relationship
Contrary
to misconceptions, AI is not a replacement for teachers but a valuable tool
that complements their roles. Teachers and lecturers can now effortlessly
create slides, images, questions, sample answers, and conduct various
activities within seconds. This newfound efficiency allows educators to focus
on their core business of teaching, freeing them from tasks unrelated to their
profession.
While
government schools may face bureaucratic or resources hurdles as well as policy
implementation challenges in AI usage, private institutions must lead the
charge in embracing and championing AI. In the digital era, where our children
are immersed in technology, proactive and adaptive educators and administrators
are essential to navigating the ever-evolving educational landscape.
Responsible
Integration: Navigating Potential Pitfalls
As
AI becomes an integral part of Cambodian education, responsible usage takes
precedence. Acknowledging potential pitfalls such as plagiarism and the risk of
creating students lacking critical thinking skills is crucial. Those working in
the education field must be well equipped to embrace and make use of AI while
enabling educational goals to be achieved. Cambodian schools must adopt AI tools with
caution, providing guidance to students to ensure responsible and ethical use.
A non-proactive approach presents so many challenges at the end.
In
conclusion, the integration of AI in Cambodian educational institutions is not
merely a choice but a necessity. Embracing this technological revolution
empowers educators, engages students, and readies the education system for
future challenges. The key lies in understanding the potential, navigating
responsibilities, and fostering a harmonious coexistence between human
intellect and artificial intelligence in the pursuit of quality education.
By
Bothwell Riside
Bothwell
Riside is a renowned educationist and technology integration specialist. You
can get him on bothwell1978.riside@gmail.com
