Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: An Instructor’s Exoskeleton in the Future of Education

The role of artificial intelligence in US education is expanding. As education moves toward providing customized learning paths, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms in learning systems increases. This can be viewed as growing metaphorical exoskeletons for instructors, enabling them to provide a higher level of guidance, feedback, and autonomy to learners. In turn, the instructor gains time to sense student needs and support authentic learning experiences that go beyond what AI and ML can provide. Applications of AI-based education technology support learning through automated tutoring, personalizing learning, assessing student knowledge, and automating tasks normally performed by the instructor. This technology raises questions about how it is best used, what data provides evidence of the impact of AI and ML on learning, and future directions in interactive learning systems. Exploration of the use of AI and ML for both co-curricular and independent learnings in content presentation and instruction; interactions, communications, and discussions; learner activities; assessment and evaluation; and co-curricular opportunities provide guidance for future research.