AI and Innovative Education

Science fiction authors and filmmakers have been known to predict amazing, and sometimes catastrophic, changes that will arise with the advent of widespread artificial intelligence (AI).

On the contrary, AI hasn’t made any such crazy waves. Instead, it has quietly become pervasive in various aspects of our daily lives. From the intelligent sensors that help us to take flawless photographs to the personal assistants in our smartphones, AI of one kind or another is around us all the time. It is also becoming increasingly used in the field of education.

AI in education can be used for virtual tutoring, personalised learning, proctoring, chatbot, adaptive learning, automated grading, security, and smart content, according to Assoc Prof Dr Nantha Kumar Subramaniam, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Applied Sciences.

“It can help teachers by providing insights into students’ learning styles and give hands-on feedback for students who need more practice with specific topics or skills.

“AI doesn’t get tired, doesn’t have mood swings, and doesn’t have a life outside of education,” he quipped.

According to Dr Nantha, a few AI innovations are already being implemented at OUM. These include chatbots, smart learning environments, learning management system and analytics.

“In the future, a human instructor can produce learning contents while AI-based simulated learning environments can provide continuous support to students.”

Dr Nantha presented on “AI and Innovation in Education” at Innovate Tech Show 2022, which OUM joined as an exhibitor. Themed “Innovation and Technologies for a Better Future”, the business trade show at MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur, from 19 to 21 October had 40 local and international exhibitors, 60 speakers, and 1591 trade visitors from 26 countries.

It was held together with the Global Drone Conference & Exhibition and Global Future Mobility Exhibition by Best Events Productions Sdn Bhd.

Besides the presentation by Dr Nantha, there were two more from OUM – Prof Dr Siti Aishah Hashim Ali, General Manager (Learner Experience and Technology), spoke on “Opportunities for IT Personnel @OUM” while Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal, Vice President (Academic), presented on “Psychological DNA at the Workplace: TAJMA Psychometric Assessment”.

The University also hosted a dinner on 19 October, with HE Diego Velasco von Pilgrimm, Chile’s Ambassador to Malaysia, as the guest of honour.