The Educated Guess

Tag: #aiineducation

  • The Unseen Hand: AI, Authenticity, and the Future of Learning

    This past week, I had the privilege of attending a dynamic academic roundtable, a gathering that brought together educators from a variety of professions and academic levels to grapple with one of the most pressing challenges facing modern education: the profound impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The discussions were vibrant, ranging from the incredible potential of GenAI to transform learning experiences to the complex ethical tightropes we must navigate. It was a powerful reminder that while the future of AI in our classrooms is still being written, the questions it poses about how we learn, how we teach, and, crucially, how we assess, are immediate and urgent.

    What struck me most throughout the debates was a recurring tension between the exciting possibilities AI offers for personalisation and efficiency, and the deep-seated anxieties it stirs regarding academic integrity and the very essence of what we aim to cultivate in our students: genuine learning and critical skills. These aren’t abstract concerns for distant futures; they are live dilemmas impacting classrooms nationwide right now. They demand careful consideration and proactive strategies from everyone dedicated to fostering genuine learning and a true enjoyment of learning. My reflections and research in this episode of The Educated Guess are deeply shaped by those conversations, aiming to explore the intricate relationship between GenAI, the concept of authenticity in student work, and the evolving landscape of assessment.

    (more…)

  • Mastering AI Prompts for Academic Excellence

    Generative AI (gen AI) tools are everywhere, yet for educators and students, navigating this new frontier feels more like guesswork than strategy. You’ve seen the headlines, maybe even tried a quick query, but are you truly harnessing AI to supercharge learning and streamline your workflow? The real power of AI lies not in what it is, but in how we ask it. This rise in generative AI demands a new literacy, one where knowing how to “converse” intelligently with these tools is key to effective education and integration of AI in the classroom.

    In this episode of The Educated Guess, I’ll explore strategies for crafting effective prompts. This crucial skill empowers educators to encourage ethical, responsible and academically rigorous use of AI in the classroom and beyond. For students, mastering AI prompts can unlock AI’s potential for learning and research whilst simultaneously building vital AI and digital literacy skills. The question is no longer if we use AI, but how do we do it responsibly? There is also a free downloadable cheat sheet to help you in the future!

    (more…)

  • Play to Learn, Play to Heal: Unlocking Gamification’s Potential in Education & Healthcare

    Uninspired students, dull textbooks, healthcare routines that feel like chores – the struggle for sustained engagement in learning and wellness is a familiar one. This isn’t just a student problem; it’s a critical challenge for adult learning providers like higher education today. But what if the answer lies in play?

    Enter gamification: the strategic application of game mechanics – like challenge, reward, social interaction, and progress – to make non-game contexts more absorbing and effective. It’s far more than just points and badges; it’s about leveraging core human motivators. While explored in many fields, gamification is proving truly transformative in education and healthcare (Shurui et al, 2020, Sailer & Homner, 2020).

    In this episode of The Educated Guess, we’ll unpack the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of gamification across these vital sectors. We’ll look closely at how I’ve designed and implemented games to boost student motivation and retention, and how healthcare providers are using game mechanics to empower patients and improve treatment adherence. Stick around as we explore the research, compelling case studies, and the exciting future of integrating play into the serious business of learning and healing.

    Image source: Generate by Gemini

    (more…)

  • AI and Equity: Revolutionising Inclusive Learning Environments

    Imagine this: a student with dyslexia, struggling to keep pace with a lecture, while another student, a visual learner, thrives with interactive simulations. This is the reality of our classrooms – a rich tapestry of learning differences and preferences that often go unaddressed with a one-size-fits-all approach. Time, as with many industries, is our most valuable commodity, especially in healthcare and education. As an educator, I strive to provide an effective and engaging learning experience that optimises time while addressing individual learning differences. This is a complex task when your cohort is 15, but exponentially so with 100. In this episode of The Educated Guess, we’ll explore how AI can help us support greater educational equity for all learners in the classroom. In this post, the use of some specific AI tools is mentioned. I have no affiliation with any of these companies, nor have I received any financial or other incentives to make this content.

    Image source: generated by Gemini

    (more…)