A New Science of Learning with AI

Lecture recorded July 19, 2023
Speaker: Mike Sharples - Emeritus Professor of Educational Technology at The Open University, UK
Description: As we come to understand the affordances and limitations of generative AI, it is time to flip the narrative away from “How will AI impact education?” to “What are new and effective ways of teaching and learning with AI?”. In this presentation I will explore how AI can support innovative pedagogy. We know from research into the science of learning that effective learning requires teaching spaced over time, interleaving of topics, practice in retrieving items from memory, elaboration of ideas, concrete examples, and combining words and images. Other evidence-based teaching practices include setting clear goals, giving timely feedback, supporting group learning, and promoting critical thinking. Generative AI systems can be configured to enable effective learning while addressing their tendency to “hallucinate” false information. Roles for generative AI include: Possibility Engine (AI generates alternative ways of expressing an idea), Socratic Opponent (to develop an argument), Collaboration Coach (to assist group learning), Exploratorium (to investigate and interpret data), and Personal Tutor. Future research into generative AI for education should be based on a new science of learning with AI - to include developing generative AI systems that have long term memory, set explicit goals, and explain their reasoning. Rather than seeing AI as a challenge to traditional education, we can exploit it to prepare students for a future where AI is a tool for creativity and active learning, to be operated with great care and awareness of its limitations.

[@thomasjones9394]

Thank you.

[@maheshpant4519]

Thanks for a very informative and thought provoking lecture.

[@dougkirchmann1656]

Thanks Mike, that was so well articulated. Brillant slides.

[@ifarmer]

Really helpful Mike, calming explained backed by real examples

[@royatpajarodunes]

Dear Mike, thank you for your seasoned, insightful , and ever-learner-centered perspective in our hottest topic in edtech since the WWW!! Warm regards, Roy

[@user-pv9ni8ms6s]

Using AI to have a socratic dialogue, as a tutor opens up new pedagogical insights; because in the age of AI banning it altogether does not work or help rather coming up with ways that nont only enhances learning but also engages the learner actively. Thank you for the very informative session