What are the best AI tools for education? In this article, we will share some apps our team and students at Bilingual Bridges use and define AI.

When artificial intelligence first started gaining attention, it significantly impacted various areas. In the arts, it sparked interest in non-animated objects, inspiring movies, books, and myths. In the sciences, it became clear that AI techniques could solve highly challenging problems. AI also impacted education, revolutionizing students’ learning and helping develop tools to enhance the learning experience.

What is AI?

Before discussing AI tools for education, it’s essential to clarify what AI is. Many misconceptions about AI exist; many believe it has almost superhuman control over our apps. In reality, the algorithms that humans create drive most of our tools, so it’s reassuring that machines aren’t controlling us. To define AI, we first need to determine what intelligence is. According to dictionary.com, intelligence is the ability to perceive or infer an idea from a stimulus, retain it as knowledge, and then apply it to a context or environment.

Now, we can ask ourselves: What is artificial intelligence and how do we have AI tools available for education 24/7? Artificial intelligence refers to anything that falls within the framework of intelligence but is acquired through means beyond our body. For instance, a telescope is considered an artificial intelligence device because it extends our capabilities to perceive and infer information, ultimately turning it into knowledge.

Within the definition of intelligence, we can determine that the process of perception or inference through a stimulus sums up learning. However, the magnifying glass example allows us to learn more than what we see through it. Still, the magnifying glass needs to learn something. Therefore, Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, refers to the ability of machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.

AI tools for education:

Students and teachers can now access various AI tools to assist them in their educational journeys. These tools enhance the learning experience, provide valuable insights, and offer personalized support. In this article, we will explain some of the most popular ones.

1. ChatGPT: This is a chatbot to which you can ask any question that crosses your mind: how’s the weather today? Even to ask it to write an essay about a specific topic.

2. Gamma: It’s an app used to create presentations, widely employed by teachers and students. Gamma can add pictures, synthesize, and decorate information in a fun and interactive way.

3. Canva: is a tool for creating graphic designs, including flyers, presentations, social media graphics, and websites. It has gained popularity for its AI image generator feature, which allows you to create images based on your personal choices within seconds.

4.WordWall: This AI tool for education allows users to create and interact with content, such as memory games, quizzes, and presentations. For instance, a teacher can use WordWall to make a game for students to practice the alphabet. The teacher can then share the game link with the students, who can access and practice using the app.

5.Quizizz: is an interactive learning platform for teachers to create quizzes, lessons, and assessments to evaluate student learning. Teachers use it to develop gamified evaluations, polls, surveys, and more, all of which can be customized.

6. Zoom is an app for video conferences. You can join a conference from anywhere worldwide with an internet connection. Users can chat, send emojis, share their screens, and even have a whiteboard option.

The impact of AI

In conclusion, all AI tools are created to expand our capabilities. Today, we know that what we can achieve with machines will never be able to replace the skills that make us human. Furthermore, we need to be aware of the environmental impact AI has. For example, creating an image with generative AI uses as much energy as charging your phone. In education, we have many tools that could enhance the learning process, and we must responsibly utilize them.

References:
Karageorgakis, T. (2023). Best 100 AI Tools for Teachers and the Classroom. Retrieved from https://educraft.tech/best-100-ai-apps-for-teachers/
Heikkilä, M. (2023, December 1). Artificial Intelligence. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/12/01/1084189/making-an-image-with-generative-ai-uses-as-much-energy-as-charging-your-phone/

– Written by Maria Sara Arias – Bilingual Curriculum Specialist at Bilingual Bridges