Enable AI to bridge educational gaps
A journalist at Daily Monitor researches about Artificial Intelligence at a workstation in Kampala on December 19, 2023. PHOTO/ FILE
What you need to know:
- Policy makers, educators and developers must work together to democratise access to AI-driven education by investing in digital infrastructure, trainings and developing inclusive AI policies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising education by enhancing learning experiences, improve efficiencies and providing personalised instruction, creating “intelligent education”.
AI-driven learning platforms offer opportunities to children who might not otherwise have access to quality education, helping bridge gaps in learning resources.
Despite that, it also risks widening the gap in educational inequality.
These advanced tools powered by AI require high-speed internet, modern computing device and digital literacy skills, which millions of students worldwide lack.
In developed nations, students benefit from AI tutors, adaptive learning programmes and vast digital libraries.
In contrast, students in developing countries often struggle with unreliable electricity, internet connectivity and outdated educational infrastructure leaving them unable to participate fully in AI-enhancing learning. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) reports, only 40 percent of people in Africa have internet access compared to 90 percent in Europe.
Beyond infrastructure, AI risks bias. AI systems are trained on large datasets, but if these datasets lack diversity, the resulting algorithms can reinforce existing prejudices.
This is particularly concerning in automated grading systems, student assessments and personalised learning platforms.
If an AI model is primarily trained on data from students in certain socioeconomic backgrounds or geographic regions, it may not fairly evaluate students from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds.
This could lead to systemic disadvantages for students who do not fit the algorithm’s implicit assumptions. Without intentional efforts to ensure inclusivity, AI may perpetuate cultural biases, sidelining valuable educational perspectives and further marginalising students from under-represented communities.
As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms, a new challenge emerges: the gap between those who know how to use AI effectively and those who do not. This creates a gap where some teachers can maximise the benefits of AI while others are left behind struggling to keep pace with technological advancements.
Similarly, tech-savvy students may outpace their teachers in AI proficiency, potentially disrupting traditional learning dynamics. If teachers are unable to keep up with technological advancements they risk losing their role as the primary guides in education, further exacerbating the divide.
Important to note is that, AI has the potential to assist teachers by handling repetitive tasks, but it cannot replace the human elements of teaching, such as mentorship and emotional support. Therefore, there should be a teacher-AI collaboration approach shifting the perspective from replacement to collaborative approach.
To unlock the full potential of AI in education while preventing the digital divide, there is a need for substantial investment in expanding and supporting the digital infrastructure and training. Strengthening public-private partnerships can fund AI-driven education initiatives. This will provide access to AI-powered learning tools for the students and teachers.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) together with the National AI committee need to develop policies that ensure align ment with the International Ethical AI Governance frameworks to ensure data privacy. The Ministry of Education should be able to strategically design education systems to prepare students for this shift, incorporating AI and digital literacy into curricula while fostering critical thinking and creativity.
It is crucial for a multi-stakeholder engagement in the development and implementation phases. Parents’, teachers’ and students’ participation can help address critical concerns such as AI bias, data privacy and equitable access. This will ensure that AI enhances rather than disrupts education. Prioritising these efforts will enable AI to bridge educational gaps rather than widen them.
In a nutshell, AI may be a valuable tool for providing opportunities that may address potential educational challenges but it must be implemented in ways that do not hasten the digital divide.
Policy makers, educators and developers must work together to democratise access to AI-driven education by investing in digital infrastructure, trainings and developing inclusive AI policies.
If harnessed correctly, AI can serve as a powerful tool for advancing educational equity and ensuring that learning opportunities reach all students. Prioritising these efforts will enable AI to bridge educational gaps and ensuring equitable education as stated by the Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Hillary Ainebyona, Economist [email protected]
