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The Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Challenges and Difficulties in Perspective

Introduction
It is imperative and disdained about the way Information Technology has advanced into a more sophisticated software in supporting almost everything that mankind do in terms of knowledge acquisition. Technology is about education but due to the functionalities of its diverse operations it affects every facet of live. Hence, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a big force that many institutions in the educational industry tried to adopt into Teaching and Learning. It is important for us to remind ourselves that the main purpose or advantage of Technology is to make our work fast, accurate, and timely.

Today, a lot of technology in the social media arena is been used one way or the other, formal or informal to help and support teachers and students in the teaching and learning process. Social media platforms such as youtube, whatsapp, facebook, zoom, meetme, and teams plays very important support role in delivering education and knowledge acquisition. It is obvious that many of these social media platforms remain social as in informal communication channel of mode by institutions without formally adopting it into the practicalities of teaching and learning. Most of these platforms are only used informally for information sharing since their applications need physical presence of mankind.

Computer systems and its software such as Microsoft office is a suite that already enhances teaching and learning in institutions. It helps teachers to type soft copies of their course models, assignments, test, quiz, and examination. It also makes it possible for teachers to type or prepare all their notes and powerpoint presentation and deliver/share to students in class. The students on the other hand due to instructions can submit assignments with the help of the computer system and software like the Microsoft office suite. The students too can sit for quiz and test using this same computer systems with internet and online protocols or software and that is if the systems is well planned, configured with security and the machines or desktops are in abundance to make this category of assessment succeed.

Since, there are several forms and ways by which students are assessed such as the above examples, it seems with the use of computer systems and its software, it will be very difficult to achieve the purpose of examination if teachers want to use the computer system and its software because the computer system and its software has already predefined solutions to our problems, especially, if it is connected to internet, it makes it very difficult to succeed using it for examination purposes. Besides, examinations are meant to test students’ ability in thinking, testing their memory in terms of knowledge acquisition and understanding of what is been thought or learned. The same purpose applies to the assignment, test, and quiz but because these are classified and continuous assessment there is not much restrictions to its conduct and arrangement but it has instructions that students must comply with. Examination is used to determine students’ level of knowledge and award of grade the student is deserved; hence, students sit in a well arranged examination rooms or centers without any foreign materials to write the examination. The same principle or method may be considered by the teacher to a make sure that students sit in and write the test and quiz. But assignment is take-home which has its own criteria they follow with strict instructions. The problem to solve may be about a problem solving in a form of case study and investigation that is, research work.

In view of the above, it is clear that the computer systems and its software post a lot of challenges to teachers in determining the levels of grades of students for qualification, how more now the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?, which is also a computer software developed by few I.T. gurus to predetermine, provide, answers, solve problems and make decisions. This AI pose a lot of challenges and difficult scenarios to both the teachers and students. This is the most reason why this concept position paper is conceived to make a clear stand of advice towards its adoption and implementation by higher educational institutions to be aware of in making such decision to adopt AI into Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

What is Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to Fitria (2021), “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the process of modeling human thinking and designing a machine so it can behave like humans.” So, this means that AI is equal to a human being as it is made to reason and think like teachers and students. AI today is even more sophisticate in such a way that it can write a complete essay or thesis for a student or teacher or anybody using AI app. This author results analysis indicated that AI has been hugely applied to various educational technological platforms such as Virtual Mentor; Smart Content; Presentation Translator; Global Courses e.g. Udemy, MOOCs, Google AI, Alison, edX, Khan Academy, Coursera, Udacity, etc.; Voice Assistant e.g. Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Microsoft Cortana; Automatic Assessment; Personalized Learning – e.g. Ruangguru etc.; Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) or Intelligent Computer Aided Instruction (ICAI); and Educational Games. What all these means is that few I.T. gurus have created and developed this sophisticated software to represent human being in performing and engaging with work of Teaching and Learning. The questions is should the users also learn how to create and develop AI? According to Chonan Xu, noted that AI is a co-pilot to the teacher which, I disagree because The establishment of AI is not only for the usage of a teacher but for the entire mankind including students. In fact, the dangers that this AI post is that it will get to a point when a student will no longer require the guidance, teachings, and assessment of a teacher because AI makes it possible for student to set out his or her own course manual and prepare his or her own slides without the teacher. This is how terrible AI adoption will do to the traditional institutions of higher learning that is, if care and policies are not written to curtail the use of AI the best ways with developmental and economic balance of human resources and its management.

Traditional Teaching Methods and Learning Processes

Teaching without the use of AI or minimal use of AI with computer systems and devices is the pragmatic way by which direct teaching and learning takes place. With traditional teaching and learning, the teacher read textbooks, makes research, prepare lesson notes or course module, and then go to class and teach physically by engaging the students where they ask questions for clarification and also demonstrate their understanding of what is being taught. By so doing the teacher has good brains with memory power which he or she transfers to the students. But with AI this is not possible, it will rather make students to be copying and plagiarizing other people’s work without even citations and references. This is what one can term as dangerous form of learning.

Dangers and Challenges of AI and Social Media

The speed at which technology is moving human kind is frightening. One wonders whether apart from the few people who produces such smart technologies the rest of the world’s population is important to think and create anything at all? With the inception of AI, a lot of businesses or work that needed manpower to physically work and operate machines can now be performed by non-human beings, all in the name of AI. It is even serious when you contrast the AI existence to that of our educational systems and structures the world over. Education is being challenge whereby the impart of knowledge in a physically manner can now be done or solved using AI without having to think twice or many times. We are now getting to a stage whereby other human knowledge will seize to function because everything now-a-days people use AI to solve their problems without any frustration. Social media for that matter is now full of fake news and messages with the use of AI applications and functions. It is very difficult for an ordinary person to distinguish between fake or imitated news or video which is a sign of misguiding the world. Work in terms of human resource management practices by human beings was the main focus which is now becoming machine or non-human focus. Simply because HRM is to manage people in an organization or society but the world is now becoming AI oriented which is driven by social media platforms with very dangerous outcomes. The puzzle is that how are the world leaders thinking or adapting to this era of AI in making sure that educational systems still function in the traditional way with human factors and less AI to promote human growth with intelligent and clever people. The use of AI means people will no longer be intelligent or clever to be tested, which has negative consequences if care is not taking by the world leaders to control the existence and operation of these advanced and smart AI which can solve every academic and household problems and issues.

In academia, we have been asked to adapt to the use of AI since it is the modern trend across the globe. But it is very dangerous if our educational systems and structures will be allowed to fully adopt AI because the physical human factor in imparting knowledge, skills and ideas to students will vanish. And in that case what will be the use of a lecturer in class if a student can just use AI to teach himself or herself?, write essays and provide answers to any question that is being asked using AI platform. This will mean the educational systems will be producing dunderheads and crook people in a society because anything they want to do they don’t have to interact with their fellow human being but rather just an AI App. This kind of change in decision making from traditional way of delivering education affects business organizations as well in terms of cybersecurity and fraud. With the introduction of AI means that lots of funds will have to be spent on cybersecurity and virus attacks. AI is bringing unease circumstances to the business and educational sectors the world over. Mike Thomas wrote about the 14 risks and dangers of AI. It noted that AI has been hailed as a revolutionary and a world changing since it is sophisticated and widespread but it is not without challenges or drawbacks. It is written that “these things could get more intelligent than us and could decide to take over, and we need to worry now about how we prevent that happening” said by Geoffrey Hinton.

According to Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk together with over 1000 other Tech Leaders, addressed an open letter in 2023 to put a pause on large AI experiments, with the reason being that the technology can “pose profound risks to society and humanity.” Some of the dangers of AI are automation-spurred job loss, deepfakes, privacy violations, algorithmic bias caused by bad data, socioeconomic inequality, market volatility, weapons automatization, uncontrollable self-aware AI etc.

The 14 dangers of AI espoused by Mike Thomas are Lack of AI Transparency and Explainability, Loss of Human Influence, Job Losses due to AI Automation, Social Manipulation Through AI Algorithms, Social Surveillance with AI Technology, Lack of Data Privacy Using AI Tools, Biases Due to AI, Socioeconomic Inequality as a Result of AI, Weakening Ethics and Goodwill because of AI, Autonomous Weapons Powered by AI, Financial Crises Brought by AI Algorithms, Uncontrollable Self-aware AI, Increased Criminal Activity, and Broader Economic and Political Instability.

How to Understand AI in Social Media
This refers to how machines learn from the massive amounts of data generated online to make decisions and recommendations. For example, using Facebook or Instagram feed where AI analyze the interactions such as likes, comments, shares to predict the next content that might be of interest. It personalized a person on Facebook. It is stated that AI is changing the way society interacts, communicates and generates and consumes content. And that this AI technology is already changing the digital landscape and it is raising many questions about its impact and use. One of the questions is about the implications of social media AI are lack of privacy and requiring some restraints and responsibility from the users of such technology. It is clear that social media platforms now incorporate AI technology in many of their features. Malik (2020) focuses specifically on the role of AI in ensuring social media safety and security, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with deploying AI-driven solutions to combat online risks and vulnerabilities. From content moderation and user authentication to threat detection and incident response. AI technologies offer a range of capabilities for enhancing platform security and protecting users' privacy but however, the effectiveness of AI-based solutions depends on factors such as data quality, algorithmic transparency, and stakeholder collaboration.

Shortage of talent is a major challenge to AI adoption to social media. There are not enough professionals or expertise to develop AI solutions. Which means integrating AI into social media requires high-level AI talent, people who may have PhDs or considerable experience with the technologies. Such people are in short supply. The present study endeavors to explore the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on social media content, with a particular emphasis on the potential promotion of misinformation and filter bubbles. The use of AI algorithms for analyzing user data and behavior raises concerns about the reinforcement of existing beliefs and the lack of diversity in viewpoints. Also, the quick spread of erroneous data on social media networks calls into question the involvement of AI in disseminating identical information. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehend the implications of AI on social media content for individuals and society. Of course, as with all technologies, there are some risks to AI use in social media. Some of these relate to how users and companies choose to deploy these powerful tools. However, some of these downsides are inherent in AI technology.

Conclusion
In the abstract of Fitria (2021) concluded that science and technology progressing into the future towards enhancing the work of teachers’ such as student attendance, correcting, exams and giving daily tests, explaining knowledge, making administrative reports and other systematic work all can be submitted and performed or processed as completed through technology devices or machines. And that teachers can save more time and energy and can focus more on non-systemic work which even robots cannot perform. Ironically, this abstract conclusion cannot be taken or adopted just like that without assessing the consequences. First of all, if students are allowed to always submit work to the AI platforms to complete the results for them means that full-time studies by higher institutions is being challenged. “Technology only runs systemically and is automated based on human commands, while the human mind, especially teachers deliver new knowledge” (Fitria, 2021). This simply means that competent people with I.T. skills and knowledge automate human with commands whiles the teachers uses their minds to deliver new teachings and learning processes. And that the teachers’ intelligence will be unmatched; I bear to differ. This cannot be totally true because it will rather make the teacher lazy to learn since everybody is using AI (other few people knowledge) to accomplish their teaching process.

It is obvious that AI is powerful technology and the tools that is aimed to assist and support users and business organizations to work effectively and efficiently. But the speed by which it is developed and deployed calls for concern in terms of human factors. If care is not taken AI is going to replace the function of human resource management in organizations whereby the recruitment and selection process of potential employees will then be machine AI-based. In other words, with the existence of AI will mean human beings’ physical presence at work is no longer necessary since the machine AI-based applications and robotics are been developed to take over the real human jobs. The idea of technology is that it’s good for every educated person and so therefore, aside their area of expertise, everyone should be encouraged to study technology and the AI functions.

Recommendation
AI must be for informal practice such as assignments and home works can be performed through its support. Part-time or distance education must be encouraged to use AI with strict regulations and rules together with principles.

AI must not be adopted into the full-time programs or studies because its excessive use can call for redundancy of staff, students will be too lazy and dunderheads, etc. Full-time teaching and learning must be left with manual or physical way of teaching and engagement where lecturers researched and read before teaching.

AI in terms of student assessment and examination must be fully adopted by computer science students majoring in programming and engineering. This is the discipline that creates and develop it and so therefore it must be consumed by same discipline.

Above all, these risks and challenges must be a deliberate and consensus attempts by governments and stakeholders to establish certain laws to restrain full operations of AI in educational institutions and business organizations. This must follow advocacy to educate the masses about the use of AI and its associated risk to society.

References/Bibliography
Fitria, T.N. (2021). Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: Using AI Tools for Teaching and Learning Process, Proceedings Semina Nasional & Call for Papers, Institut Teknologi Bisnis AAS: Indonesia.

Singh, S.V., & Hiran, K.K., (2022). The Impact of AI on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Technology, Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, Vol. 22(13), 135-148.

Liua, Y., Salehb, S., & Huang, J., (2021). Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Teaching and Learning Transformation in Schools, International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. Vol. 15 (3), 891-902.

Simon Agius Muscat (2019), AI in Education, A Practical Guide for Teachers and Young People, Department of AI, University of Malta, ISBN (Print): 978-99957-1-551-9, ISBN (PDF): 978-99957-1-552-6

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Future of Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations, Washington, DC, 2023.

Baker, Ryan S. (2021), “Artificial intelligence in education: Bringing it all together”, in OECD, OECD Digital Education Outlook 2021: Pushing the Frontiers with Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Robots, OECD, Publishing, Paris. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/f54ea644-en

Alessa, I.A., & Hussein, S., (2023). Using Traditional And Modern Teaching Methods On The Teaching Process From Teachers’ Own Perspective, Route Educational & Social Science Journal, Vol. 10(2), 65-92

Sharma, N., Pranava, M.N., & Joshi, H., (2024). Traditional Vs Modern English Language Teaching Methods: Study Based on a Survey, MIER Journal of Educational Studies Trends & Practices, Vol. 14(1). 21 – 36

Ore, O., & Sposato, M., (2021). Opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in recruitment and selection, International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Emerald Publishing Limited, 1934-8835 DOI 10.1108/IJOA-07-2020-2291

Nadhiya, A. L. F. & Mufassara, M. W., (2023). Overview of Challenges and Opportunities of Using Artificial Intelligence in Human Resource Management Practices, SEUSL Journal of Human Resource Management (SEUSLJHRM), Vol. 2(1), 22-23.

Malik, G., D. K. Tayal, and S. Vij. 2019. “An Analysis of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education and Teaching.” In Recent Findings in Intelligent Computing Techniques 407–17.

By: Dr. A.K. Adam

Author has 8 publications here on modernghana.com

Disclaimer: "The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect ModernGhana official position. ModernGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."

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