Machine learning is slowly but surely working its way into many facets of our lives. It has proved itself to be an indispensable tool across many sectors; and recently, AI and machine learning has been harnessed to improve online learning and make a positive impact on learning outcomes and levels of engagement. This article explores five ways in which machine learning can benefit online learners.
Provides Advanced Analytics
Multiple-choice quizzes are popular among tutors as they’re simple to grade and a fairly effective way of testing students’ knowledge. However, multiple-choice style exams can get repetitive, and often fail to test students on certain skills. Other forms of quiz, such as long-form questions or essay-style assessments, are often avoided as they create a huge amount of work for the tutor and can be difficult to grade objectively.
With machine learning, ease of marking no longer has to be a consideration. AI can analyze huge amounts of data and extract pertinent information, such as strengths, weaknesses and performance, providing incredibly useful insights to tutors and students alike.
Assists with personalizing content
AI is fantastic at pattern-spotting and can be used to deliver personalized content, adapted specifically to the needs of each individual learner. For example, if the machine spots that a particular student has no room for improvement when it comes to calculus, no more calculus modules will be assigned. Instead, the AI might present geometry modules, which get progressively harder as they improve, and focus on the student’s specific weaknesses. This reduces the amount of time spent teaching things students already know, and gives them the opportunity to really concentrate on knowledge gaps.
Allows access to a wider pool of instructors
Machine learning brings chatbots to the forefront of education and lets AI take over the teaching role. Chatbots can provide multiple students with answers to different queries simultaneously, with no decrease in the quality or accuracy of their explanations.
Chatbots can be used on a variety of platforms, including tablets and smartphones, so they’re incredibly portable and can be accessed by students at any time and from any place. They’re not just great at answering questions, though: They can also provide personalized feedback, set assignments, and keep tabs on the progress of their students.
Another benefit as instructors is that more reserved students may feel more comfortable speaking out to chatbots, and their learning won’t be negatively impacted by feelings of shyness.
Increases motivation and efficiency in students
By eschewing the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, machine learning-based eLearning courses empower students to take control of their own learning experience. “Through the increased personalization of eLearning courses, machine learning can have a hugely positive impact on the levels of motivation and engagement among students,” advises Samantha Garcia, journalist writer at Origin Writings and Brit Student.
Each student has complete freedom to pursue the topics that interest them at a pace that suits them, rather than being left behind in class, or, alternatively, zoning out when a teacher spends too long on a topic that the student is already familiar with.
Provides Immediate Feedback
Students can sometimes feel disheartened or frustrated by delayed feedback, but heavy workloads and mountains of pressure can prevent tutors from providing feedback as quickly and as comprehensively as they may wish to.
“Machine learning can take this burden away from teachers and provide instant feedback to students, leading to increased engagement and allowing students to focus their studies where needed,” explains John Scroggins, tech writer at Write my X and 1 Day 2 write.
In addition, AI takes away the personal element of feedback and prevents students from feeling criticized or embarrassed when receiving what could be interpreted as negative feedback. When presented by AI rather than a person, any critical feedback becomes objective and constructive.
Final Thoughts
Over the coming years, machine learning is predicted to have an enormous impact on the landscape of eLearning. While there will always be areas where human teachers are irreplaceable, machine learning can improve online education by increasing engagement and efficiency.
About the author
George J. Newton works at Write my research proposal and Thesis writing service as a business development expert. He has been married for ten years, giving him ample opportunity to perfect the art of the apology. He also writes for Next Coursework service blog.
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