Artificial Intelligence: Are Educators Secure? 

Artificial intelligence is a quickly growing technological development that is rapidly transforming various sectors of society. Also referred to as “machine intelligence,” artificial intelligence (AI) is demonstrated by non-humanoid or humanoid robots that behave similarly to humans, and this technology can be applied to businesses in order to enhance and improve operational efficiency (Prentice et al., 2019). 

 

AI can take shape as Chatbots and messenger applications, or the widely known ChatGPT. AI can be found in various sectors of society, including human resources recruitment, banking, tourism, the hotel industry, transit, and healthcare (Prentice et al., 2019).  

However, the question is, will educators be replaced by AI?  

In short, no.

Research by Prentice et al., (2019) indicates that although many controversies over the role of AI replacing human jobs exists, the threat to educators is not high. According to the authors, educators perform tasks which are complex emotional-social in nature since they involve interpersonal interactions with other humans and require the educator to possess 

 flexibility 

accessibility,  

integrity,  

comprehensiveness, and  

reliability. 

While AI can perform complex cognitive-analytical tasks, understand human emotions, and incorporate them into their decision-making to some extent, it cannot fully comprehend 

 cognition,  

social intelligence,  

emotion, and  

self-consciousness. 

Although artificial intelligence contains the capacity to make excellent split decisions from a quick analysis, AI is limited to humanlike interaction and does not possess emotional intelligence (Prentice et al., 2019).  

According to Prentice et al., (2019) artificial intelligence has been developed to improve specific aspects of the human experience by easing mundane tasks. 

When it comes to the education sector, educators can harness the power of AI and use this powerful and complementary tool to enhance their teaching.  

ESL teachers can use AI to:  

  • draft lesson plans  
  • condense research  
  • develop comprehension questions 
  • create discussion prompts 
  • compare recent trends in education  
  • automate administrative tasks  
  • analyze students’ learning histories and abilities 

Implementing artificial intelligence in an ethical and integral manner into the field of ESL and education can align with the Universal Design for Teaching and Learning frameworks, which emphasize using online resources and technological tools to enhance teaching and instructional materials (Lowenthal & Lomellini 2023). 

Artificial intelligence can offer flexibility and inclusivity for educators which can improve the quality of their instruction. When ESL teachers use AI within limits and with integrity, this can complement and enhance teaching and life satisfaction.  

References 

Lowenthal, P. R., & Lomellini, A. (2023). Accessible Online Learning: A Preliminary Investigation of Educational Technologists’ and Faculty Members’ Knowledge and Skills. TechTrends, 67(2), 384-392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-022-00790-1 

Prentice, C., Dominique Lopes, S., & Wang, X. (2019). Emotional intelligence or artificial intelligence– an employee perspective. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 29(4), 377–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/19368623.2019.1647124 

  

Patricia Patel teaches English and ESL to local students and students residing in China. She is a member of TESL Ontario and holds the CTESOL designation. Patricia has a Bachelor of Arts in Equity, Diversity and Human Rights and a Master of Education with a focus on digital technologies. Patricia is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction - Online Teaching and Learning from Liberty University. Patricia is passionate about creating and delivering equitable, inclusive, and accessible education. She hopes to motivate students through cultivating a warm and inclusive class environment. Patricia loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for ESL teaching and learning by writing blogs for TESL Ontario.

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