Education Meets AI: A Glimpse into the Future of Learning at Davos 2024

he 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos buzzed with the electricity of ideas, and at the heart of many discussions was the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

One panel, aptly titled "Education Meets AI: Artificial Intelligence as Driving Force for the Economy and Society," ignited insightful dialogues about the future of learning in an AI-powered world.

Personalized Learning for Every Mind:

Imagine classrooms transformed, not rows of desks and a single voice, but diverse learning landscapes tailored to individual needs and strengths.

This is the promise of AI-powered education, where adaptive platforms adjust difficulty levels, suggest resources, and even provide real-time feedback like virtual tutors. The Davos panel explored this exciting potential, discussing how AI can empower every student to unlock their full potential, regardless of learning styles or pace.

Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, mentions how the UAE is finding ways to integrate AI to not disrupt education by ensuring it's ethically accurate.

He shared about democratizing tutoring by providing it to all sections of the students.

He also mentions how they emphasize building soft skills that will be needed in the future for young people.

Hadi Patrovi shares how AI can personalize learning for different students in the class. 

When most people think about implementing AI in education, they think of using AI for biology, physics, algebra, and history. We must think of teaching computer science, robotics, cybersecurity, and AI.

Instead of teaching the curriculum of the past, we should focus on building the curriculum for the future.

We are teaching the curriculum used 50 years ago. We should be modernizing our curriculum. In older countries, everything has stayed the same in the education system; it is set in stone, so there is little change.

However, the younger countries have the advantage of new technologies. 

Reskilling is a concept we need to read when it comes to education. 

Critical Thinking: The Human Edge in the AI Age:

But the conversation wasn't just about handing the reins to algorithms. While AI promises remarkable tools, the panel emphasized the irreplaceable role of human skills in navigating the AI-driven future.

Critical thinking, analytical abilities, and the ability to adapt to new situations – these qualities will genuinely set humans apart. The discussion explored how AI can nurture these vital skills, perhaps through interactive simulations or open-ended challenges that encourage curiosity and exploration.

Hadi Partovi, the CEO of Code.org, underscored the profound impact of AI in creating learning experiences uniquely tailored to individual interests. 

The risk isn't about losing a job to AI, but the risk is losing a job to people who know how to use AI. 

He says we need skills that help young people differentiate 

We need to understand that if public education does not change, it will slowly become irrelevant. 

He mentions how young people will explore and experiment with AI no matter what they are taught in schools; they are experiencing AI in all the apps like Snapchat and TikTok anyway.

He said when ChatGPT was banned, more teenagers went and explored the tool. He advises schools to be leaders in accepting technology; kids will get access to technology with or without a school system.

Kids are going to use AI with or without the school system. 

Workforce Reskilling: A Lifelong Journey:

From classrooms to boardrooms, the conversation shifted to the ever-evolving work landscape. In a world where AI constantly redefined jobs, upskilling and reskilling will be paramount.

The panellists envisioned AI-powered platforms offering bite-sized courses on emerging technologies, personalized career pathways, and ongoing assessments – a roadmap for lifelong learning in a dynamic world.

Jeffrey R. Tarr, Chief Executive Officer of  Skillsoft, discusses existing skill gaps and says that generativity changes what and how they teach. He outlines how coaching can be essential to skill up and how digital and productive AI coaches can help. 

Access to the internet is access to information, and many of the courses from Stanford and Harvard are available.

Beyond Ideas to Action:

Davos wasn't just about dreaming up possibilities but about paving the way for action. The emphasis was on collaboration between educators, technologists, policymakers, and the private sector to create an education system equipped for the AI age.

This includes developing ethical frameworks for AI in education, ensuring equitable access to these powerful tools, and investing in the continuous training of educators to integrate AI into their classrooms effectively.

A Global Conversation with Slovenian and UAE Insights:

The panel wasn't limited to abstract concepts. Insights from diverse perspectives, including Slovenian Minister of Digital Transformation Emilija Stojmenova Duh and UAE representatives, enriched the discussion.

They highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide by exploring alternative information delivery methods like text messaging, ensuring no one is left behind in the AI-powered future.

Additionally, catering to a broader demographic, including retired individuals, was emphasized, advocating for education as a lifelong pursuit.

Emilija Stojmenova Duh, the Minister of Digital Transformation in Slovenia, emphasized the importance of addressing the digital skills gap.

She highlighted the need to educate a broader range of people, including retired individuals, to motivate people to invest in their knowledge just like they invest in food, travel, etc.

Another challenge she mentions is finding good teachers, coaches, and experts in AI who can help others. 

She says Slovenia is focusing on teaching digital skills. They are also looking to increase the number of women in STEM. She says we need AI not only for work but also for daily life. She also talked about teaching retired people so that they understand how AI and tech work.

Key Takeaways from the session 

• Learning is not limited to classroom or age 
• Learning is not limited to a physical space 
• Critical thinking is essential to exclude bias

Davos 2024 offered a glimpse into a future where AI and human ingenuity converge to create a more personalized, adaptable, and empowering learning experience for all.

It's a future where technology acts as a partner in education, not a replacement, unlocking individual potential and equipping us with the skills to navigate the exciting and ever-changing world ahead.