Letter of the Day | Artificial intelligence can be a formidable tool in education
Published:Saturday | April 26, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Recently, at the Jamaica Teachers Annual Conference, Education Minister Donna Morris Dixon spoke about the testing of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist teachers.
These remarks by the minister are certainly encouraging and signals the intention of stakeholders to actively seek modern trends to enhance education. AI tools should pursued by stakeholders with the intention of improving both teacher and student performance.
Although some schools are advanced in implementing AI tools, students who are not exposed to artificial intelligence would greatly benefit from the introduction of these tools in their schools. There are AI tools, such as software and apps that can be used to assist students to achieve competency in critical subjects. Students can be taught to read and also to compute mathematical solutions. Additionally students at the university level can be allowed to access apps, such as ChatGPT, Meta AI and Deepseek to assist in understanding content.
Teachers also would benefit from AI tools, which could help them to effectively balance their work life. AI tools, such as Curipod, Education Copilot and Gradescope can be used to buffer the overwhelming tasks which sometimes detracts from the quality of service offered by teachers. Teachers need AI to assist with tasks such as grades monitoring; this allows teachers to effectively plan and implement useful intervention for students.
But, can AI replace teachers? Can AI reduce students capabilities? AI is designed to assist humans. Artificial intelligence tools would improve performance among teachers and students.
Teachers will be able to access modern trends and skills while students will benefit from teacher’s improved teaching environment. AI can be a motivating factor for the 21st century learner. The government and educational stakeholders should continue to explore the array of AI tools to help Jamaica adapt to artificial intelligence.
ARNORD SICHINSAMBW