ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS RESHAPING OUR WORLD: THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining our era, bringing gradual yet profound changes. Like previous technological revolutions, AI is progressively transforming our daily lives without immediate disruptions, but there is no doubt that its impact will become increasingly significant over the years. Experts and visionaries agree that within a decade, AI will reshape the fabric of our society, especially in the fields of education and work.
The End of Software and Applications as We Know Them
Professor Michael Gerlich, a renowned expert in technology and education, predicts a radical transformation: the gradual disappearance of software and applications in favor of a single, powerful AI-based interface. This interface will understand and anticipate our needs, rendering many current technologies obsolete. This change will upend software development paradigms and fundamentally alter how we interact with digital devices.
Gerlich explains that the complex art of prompting—the skill of crafting optimized queries for AI—will become unnecessary as interfaces grow more intuitive and capable of understanding natural language. This revolution will simplify technology use and make it accessible to everyone, without technical barriers.
A Professional Future Shaped by AI
The impact of AI on the job market is a central issue in the current debate. Jobs and tasks that can be automated or optimized by AI will gradually disappear. Experts believe this transformation will free humans from repetitive and tedious tasks, allowing them to focus on activities requiring more human skills: creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving.
However, this change will require adjustments in education and professional training. Schools and universities will need to shift their focus to prepare students for a future where the ability to innovate, collaborate, and think critically will be more valuable than merely accumulating factual knowledge.
Education Redefined: The Rise of Human Skills
The AI revolution will have profound implications for the education system. Gerlich and other experts advocate refocusing education on developing essential human skills, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinarity. Emphasis will be placed on students’ ability to navigate complex environments, think independently, and work effectively in teams.
With evolving technology, it is likely that exams such as the Extended Essay of the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the Travail de Maturité in Switzerland will be reconsidered. These projects may become too easily achievable thanks to AI, which, in the near future, could even adopt each user’s unique writing style. As a result, assessments will become more centered on skills demonstrated in class and during oral exams, without internet access, where the authenticity of individual thought can be ensured.
The Teacher’s Role in a Technological Era
While AI offers a multitude of tools to enrich learning, the role of the teacher remains crucial. The human touch is irreplaceable for guiding students, placing knowledge in a global context, and helping build strong thinking structures. Teachers will take on the role of mentors and facilitators, capable of offering advice and perspectives that machines, no matter how advanced, cannot fully provide.
On the other hand, AI can greatly alleviate teachers’ administrative workload. Grading, for instance, is time-consuming and could be automated without compromising teaching quality. This would free up time for more personalized interactions with students and innovative educational projects.
Toward Individualized and Instant Learning
One of the major benefits of integrating AI into education is the possibility of personalized learning. Students will be able to query their AI interface for instant, tailored responses to their specific questions. This quick adaptability will allow each student to learn at their own pace, according to their strengths and weaknesses, while receiving immediate feedback on their progress.
However, this advancement comes with ethical and technical challenges. How can we ensure these AIs are programmed to provide accurate and unbiased information? How do we make sure AI-assisted learning does not replace essential human interactions for growth and personal development?
Challenges and Opportunities in Assessment
One of the most notable changes will be in how students are assessed. Homework, long used as a means of measuring understanding and student engagement, will lose its relevance in a world where AI can complete complex tasks with ease. In-class tests, collaborative projects, and oral assessments will become the new standard. These methods will not only ensure the authenticity of work but also promote critical thinking and the ability to articulate ideas clearly and convincingly.
A Promising Future
Artificial intelligence promises to transform the way we work, learn, and interact. For these changes to be positive, education systems must adapt and integrate these innovations thoughtfully. The key will lie in balancing technology adoption and the value of human skills, to prepare future generations for a world where AI plays a central role.
To learn more about the potential of artificial intelligence and its impact on education and society, here are some relevant links: