From the mind behind some of the greatest innovations in education. 

GUEST COLUMN | by Alan Greenberg

Some perspectives on the “state of play” with AI in an education context. Historically, the vast majority of education technologies have predominantly been built for institutions— given that they are perceived to be the customer, the facilitator, the relationship. I would argue that that has fundamentally changed in the last two years. With the impact of AI, if we are not building technology with the end-user in mind as the ultimate focus, we will ultimately fail. The ability to deliver a personal learning journey and improve personal learning outcomes for all generations and for lifelong learners—is now the starting point for innovation today.

‘The ability to deliver a personal learning journey and improve personal learning outcomes for all generations and for lifelong learners—is now the starting point for innovation today.’

That does not mean that these same institutions are not partners in this engagement with students, it’s just that digital pedagogy and education resources in an AI-empowered world has changed the dynamics.

A Dedicated Teacher for Every Student

ASI.Tech (a portfolio company) has built and is delivering a conversational AI tutor that is not only trained on dedicated and validated data and content, but more significantly understands the competency of the individual learner. Follow that thesis through to its logical conclusion: have we not now established the ability to provide a dedicated teacher to each and every student, in the classroom or at home, mindful of the individual requirements and capability of each person? A blended learning solution supporting the school, the best efforts and aspiration of every teacher, of every parent, in fulfilling the potential of each student?

Just Ask Library of Greatest Minds

Another portfolio company, Spooler Media, has been working in stealth at developing contextual search within broadcast podcasts. Imagine a library of thought leadership and insights from the greatest minds which is searchable by AI, relevant to the question and specific interest of the researcher or student, permitting a discussion with the font of experience and knowledge contained within existing and future multimedia.

This is not advocacy or promotion for ChatGPT or OpenAi, it is an argument for specific and focused engagement of AI in Education across multiple LLMs. 

There are a number of key disciplines that need to be applied, including:

– Built for purpose AI engagement (in preference to generic modeling).

– Authentic and validated data and content. Training AI appropriately.

– Trust coefficient.

– Critical thinking. If you cannot frame the right question then therein lays the first barrier to adoption. 

– Critical thought. The second challenge for students being the skill of interpreting the answers.

Building Digital Pedagogy  

A further example from two other portfolio companies being Groundflr and Traverse out of South Africa, with Groundflr having a track record and experience in building digital pedagogy for schools and universities globally for some years. The disciplines of modular and segmented content prepared for digital engagement (rather than lesson plans for classroom engagement). Then Traverse, their next business supporting skills development, and the transition from academic rigor to competency in the workforce—utilizing digital avatar teachers and mentors, engaging in real time with individuals, and groups of students.

Time for AI Engagement is Already Here

The point I am attempting to make being, we need to break down the barriers to adoption. Admittedly these are early days and things will iterate and improve over time and with use. The age of machine learning has moved on, and the time for AI engagement is already here and waiting on no person. I believe we are at the point of the greatest opportunity in formal education for a generation, equally for training and lifelong learning—empowering the individual, unlocking authentic and dedicated learning resources for each and every person who might wish to embrace the paradigm, and become the best version of themselves.

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Alan Greenberg is Trust Architect at ASI.Tech, Director at Spooler Media, Board Advisor at Groundflr & Traverse, and Professor of Practice in Digital Technologies at Kosovo-based Universum International College (UNI). Previously Director Apple Education EMEA, then Asia, between 2004-2009, he led the team who built Education Podcasting, launched iTunes U in the UK and Europe, developed Apple Education mobile engagement and iOS Education apps. He is currently director, advisor, consultant and VC to a portfolio of education and healthtech impact-driven businesses in London, Dubai, Delhi, New York and Tulsa. Connect with Alan on LinkedIn. 

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