Artificial Intelligence in education

The Center LEARN develops approaches and training programs to familiarize teachers with AI-based tools and methods.

The spectacular advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years have led to a significant transformation in many fields. New technologies, the massive availability of data, and progress in machine learning and natural language processing have made AI indispensable. These advancements have opened up exciting new possibilities for education but have also raised numerous concerns and misunderstandings.

On the one hand, AI offers opportunities for personalized learning, improved teaching, and the analysis of educational data, enabling targeted pedagogical interventions. However, the very real challenges associated with its use, such as algorithmic biases, data privacy, and the role of these tools within education, require guidance from experts in digital education.

Indeed, to fully harness the potential of AI in education, it is essential for teachers to understand its functioning, implications, and limitations. In this regard, the Center LEARN plays a crucial role in developing approaches and training programs to familiarize them with AI-based tools and methods.

As part of these efforts, the Center LEARN is involved in interventions with various partners. Here are the different actions taken (regularly updated):

A research team conducted a survey of teachers in private and public schools in the canton of Vaud to better understand their needs and expectations. The full reports of this survey (private schools and public high schools) are available for consultation.

Professor Francesco Mondada, Academic Director of the Center LEARN, and Grégory Liégeois also delivered a conference on the „reflective model“ developed in collaboration with Sociologist Dominique Boullier (Sciences Po, Paris) and a team of professors from the University of Lausanne coordinated by Prof. Boris Beaude available here. This model provides an approach to address tools such as ChatGPT.

The EPFL magazine „Dimensions“ dedicated a section to the challenges of AI in education, focusing on its implications for future learning. It includes testimonials from Pierre Dillenbourg and Francesco Mondada.

Jessica Dehler Zufferey, Executive Director of the Center LEARN, joined a panel of experts titled „What future for us and for AI“ during EPFL’s Open Days to debunk myths surrounding AI in education.

Professor Tanja Käser, Head of the Machine Learning for Education Laboratory (ML4ED) and also a member of the Center LEARN, was invited to the „Der Club“ program on SRF – Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen to discuss the topic „Artificial Intelligence: A new era?“. She particularly addressed the role and uses of AI in the field of education.