ARTICLE | February 26, 2024 | VOICES

The future of STEM is AI

AI will transform education from a one-size-fits-all experience to a highly personalized one, where students of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities can prosper

By Manisha Arora, Workflow contributor

Innovation would not be possible without educational programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). But access to quality STEM education remains a challenge for many children and adults around the world.

To bridge the gap, schools and businesses alike are embracing the potential of AI and generative AI.

In January, OpenAI announced a partnership with Common Sense Media to bring AI to a new demographic: teens. The company behind ChatGPT said it would work with the nonprofit organization to create classroom AI guidelines and educational materials for parents, teachers, and students, as well as identify and list in its GPT store family-friendly AIs based on Common Sense Media’s ratings and standards.

Separately, North Carolina became one of the first U.S. states to publish guidelines for how AI and GenAI should be used in school. Rather than taking the short-sighted step of banning classroom AI, the state is using these guidelines to support a new era of technology-augmented education, particularly in STEM-related subjects.

Looking ahead, AI will prove crucial for businesses and schools that seek to create more equitable and engaging learning opportunities for workers and students.

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Executives are excited about AI’s potential to help personalize experiences for customers and employees. Educators are excited about its potential to do the same for students.

AI-driven platforms can assess an individual's strengths and weaknesses in STEM subjects and tailor educational content accordingly. For students, this means adaptive learning apps that can adjust the difficulty of math problems or science quizzes in real time. Automated grading systems can then evaluate assignments, quizzes, and tests, to allow learners to gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Companies are already starting to provide AI-driven education modules to employees who are interested in moving into STEM fields or keeping up with changes in their own field. AI algorithms can assist teachers and content creators in developing engaging and effective STEM materials for on-the-job training and upskilling. Many training modules use AI-generated interactive 3D models, simulations, and video tutorials that cater to different learning styles.

Further, AI-driven gamification makes STEM learning more enjoyable for everyone. Gamified learning apps can turn complex math problems into exciting challenges and transform physics concepts into interactive games. These approaches not only enhance engagement, but also help learners better retain knowledge.

The STEM skills gap is partially a function of inequity. For one, not all companies and schools have physical access to laboratories or expensive equipment. Classroom AI can solve this problem by creating virtual labs and simulations, allowing learners to conduct experiments and explore concepts in a safe, interactive environment.

AI-driven STEM education tools are cost-effective too, making quality education accessible to underserved communities. Children and college students can experiment with chemical reactions, and workers can explore and fine-tune engineering designs—all without needing a physical lab. This approach provides opportunities for children and adults in remote or economically disadvantaged areas.

For individuals with disabilities, classroom AI can be used via assistive technologies such as speech recognition and screen readers, making STEM learning more accessible. Moreover, AI-powered translation can eliminate language barriers and ensure that STEM resources are available to a diverse global audience.

We are only beginning to harness the power of AI to transform education for all. We can look forward to a future where STEM education is no longer limited by age, location, resources, or physical ability, but is available to everyone, helping to build a more scientifically literate and innovative global society.